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Vespa89 different models of the Vespa, 15 million manufactured
From the first Vespa in 1946 with its 98 cc, to the most recent version launched in 1992, Piaggio has produced eighty-nine different models; in all these years, almost 20,000 changes have been made to the original project and more than 1,500 parts have been replaced. Without forgetting the many versions of the Cosa, which appeared in 1987.
Piaggio is the worlds only manufacturer to boast both technologies of scooter production, that of the steel bearing structure which the Vespa has adopted from the start, and that of the scooter with steel frame and technopolymer body, which Piaggio inaugurated with the Sfera in 1990. The Vespa is currently built in Italy, India and Indonesia, with engines from 50 to 200 cc, in the PX (large body) and PK FL2 (small body) versions and a Classic version for the Japanese market, where it is the best-selling two-wheeled western vehicle with eight thousand units a year. A total of approximately fifteen million Vespa scooters have been manufactured all over the world in the various versions from 1946 to the present day.
The Beginning
Vespa’s timeless design comes from an equally timeless company — Piaggio has been a distinguished innovator in the field of transportation for nearly 120 years.
Piaggio was founded in Genoa, Italy in 1884 by twenty-year-old Rinaldo Piaggio. Rinaldo’s business began with luxury ship fitting. But by the end of the century, Piaggio was also producing rail carriages, luxury coaches, truck bodies, engines, and trains.
Early image of the Piaggio & C. factory
With the onset of World War I, the company forged new ground with the production of airplanes and seaplanes. In 1917 Piaggio bought a new plant in Pisa, and four years later it took over a small plant in Pontedera in the Tuscany region of Italy. It was this plant in Pontedera which became its new center for aeronautical production (propellers, engines and complete aircraft).
During World War II, the Pontedera plant built the state-of-the-art P 108 four-engine aircraft, in both passenger and bomber versions. However, the plant was completely destroyed by Allied bombers due to its military importance.
Rebirth
Enrico Piaggio, son of founder Rinaldo Piaggio, surrounded by Vespas
Piaggio came out of the conflict with its Pontedera plant in complete ruin. Enrico Piaggio was at the helm, having taken over from his father Rinaldo. Concerned about the disastrous state of the roads and the Italian economy, Enrico decided to focus the Company’s attention on the personal mobility needs of the Italian people.
Enter Corradino D’Ascanio, Piaggio’s ingenious aeronautical engineer who designed, constructed and flew the first modern helicopter. D’Ascanio set out to design a simple, sturdy, and economical vehicle that was also comfortable and elegant.
D’Ascanio, who could not stand motorcycles, dreamed up a revolutionary new vehicle. Drawing from the latest aeronautical technology, he imagined a vehicle built on a “monocoque” (French for “single shell”) or unibody steel chassis. Furthermore, the front fork, like a plane’s landing gear, allowed for easy wheel changing. The result was an aircraft-inspired design that to this day remains forward-thinking and unique among all other two-wheeled vehicles.
Upon seeing the vehicle, Enrico Piaggio remarked “Sembra una Vespa!” (“It looks like a wasp!”) This was a real two-wheeled utility vehicle. But it did not resemble an uncomfortable and noisy motorcycle. The steel frame’s shape protected the rider from road dirt and debris. It emanated class and elegance at first glance.
By the end of 1949, 35,000 units had been produced. Italy was getting over its war wounds and getting about on Vespas. In ten years, one million were produced. By the mid-fifties, Vespa was being produced in Germany, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Spain and, of course, Italy.
Vespa logotype
Vespa has lived on from one generation to the next, subtly modifying its image each time. The first Vespa offered mobility to everyone. Then, it became the two-wheeler of the post war economic boom. During the sixties and seventies, the vehicle became a symbol for the revolutionary ideas of the time. Advertising campaigns like “He Who Vespas, eats the apple”, and films such as Quadrophenia have symbolized eras in our history.
Vespa Historical Film (7,45 MB)
And the story continues today with the new generation of Vespa models, represented by the Vespa ET2 and Vespa ET4. Vespa is not just a scooter. It is one of the great icons of Italian style and elegance, and with more than 16 million units produced, is well known throughout the world. For more than 50 years, Vespa has fascinated millions of people and given the world an irreplaceable icon of Italian style and a means of personal transport that has become synonymous with freedom.
Fifty years of the Vespa: the models that have made history
It is difficult to pick out the most representative Vespas from an evolution that has produced almost one hundred models. Some of them are sought after by collectors because they belong to special series, or because they were rapidly replaced by subsequent versions, and are highly priced in the period scooter market, extremely active all over the world. Others, produced in greater numbers or because they stayed on the market for longer, are classic models which have left their mark in the history of two-wheeled mobility.
Vespa 125, 1948 - The first Vespa 125 cc. It differed from the 98 not only for the engine size, but also for the introduction of rear suspension; the front suspension was also modified. Vespa 125, 1953 - This marked the first important change to the engine: bore and stroke and the timing gear were modified. The power increased to 5 bhp at 5,000 rpm, and the top speed to 75 km/h. The design of the fairing at the rear was also new. Vespa 125 U, 1953 - The Utility version with spartan styling, which sold at 20,000 lire less than the more modern 125. The headlamp appeared high up on the handlebar for the first time in Italy (it had already been introduced on a number of exported models). Vespa 150 GS, 1955 - Experts called it "the most popular, imitated and remembered model". There were numerous innovations: the 150 cc engine, 4-speed gearbox, standard long saddle, faired handlebar-headlamp unit, wheels with 10 tyres. The Vespa could reach 100 km/h. The design also changed, with a much more aerodynamic body.
Vespa 160 GS, 1962 - This was born to continue the market success of the first GS, with a completely new design. The exhaust silencer, carburettor and suspension were also new. The power output was 8.2 bhp at 6,500 rpm. Vespa 150 GL,1963 - Another new design for what has been called "one of the best-looking Vespas produced by Piaggio designers". The handlebar, trapezoid headlamp, front mudguard and trimmed down rear lids were all new. Vespa 50, 1964 - The first Vespa 50 cc. Born to exploit the new Italian Highway Code which made a number plate obligatory on larger engines.
Extremely versatile and reliable, the engine featured a new architecture, with the cylinder inclined 45° instead of horizontal. It was the last design to leave Corradino D'Ascanio's drawing board.
Vespa 180 SS, 1965 - It marked a new milestone in the growth of the engine (181.14 cc), with 10 bhp for a top speed of 105 km/h. The 180 SS (Super Sport) replaced the glorious GS 150/160 cc. Piaggio modified the front cowling, making it more aerodynamic, and significantly improving comfort, handling and roadholding. Vespa 125, 1966 - Unofficially known as the new 125, it featured radical innovations in the design, frame, engine (inclined 45°) and suspension. Vespa Super Sprint 90,1966 - A special series derived from the Vespa 50/90 cc and the new 125, the hold-all was positioned between the saddle and the handlebar for a more laid-back riding style. The handlebar was narrow and low, and the mudguard and cowling were streamlined. With an engine capacity of only 90 cc, it could do 93 km/h. Vespa 125Primavera, 1968 - Together with the subsequent PX version, it was the most durable version of the Vespa. It derived from the new 125, but with considerable differences in the engine, which raised the top speed by 10 km/h. Great attention was paid to details, which included the classic, practical bag hook.
Vespa 180 Rally, 1968 - With this new vehicle, Piaggio extended the rotary timing fuel feed system to its entire production. The engine was new, the front headlamp new and more powerful, the frame, derived from the Vespa 150 Sprint, was narrower and more aerodynamic than that of the Super Sport. Vespa 50Elestart, 1970 - It featured the great novelty of electric ignition, but the design was also completely revised and embellished compared to the 50 Special. Vespa 200 Rally, 1972 -The Vespa with the largest engine. This model, with 12.35 bhp at 5,700 rpm, could reach 116 km/h. Vespa 125 PrimaveraET3, 1976 -The name stood for Electronic 3 intake ports, and included important changes to the engine, which had more power and sparkle. Even the styling was changed from the standard Primavera (which remained in the range).
Vespa P 125 X, 1978 - The "PX" marked a new step forward in styling (the bodywork was completely redesigned) and performance. The hold-all was positioned behind the cowling.
The same year the P 200 E also appeared, which could be equipped with separate lubrication and direction indicators incorporated in the body. Three years later the PX 150 E was launched, with performance halfway between the two models.
Vespa PK 125, 1983 - This replaced the Vespa Primavera (standard and ET3) which remained in production with the Classic body for the Japanese market, where it was the best-selling western two-wheeler vehicle. The styling was new, and the PK body was completely different from that of previous scooters, because the welds of the body no longer overlapped but were integral.
Vespa PK 50, 1983 - Substantially identical to the PK 125, it appeared in two models, PK 50 and PK 50 S, both with 4-speed gearbox and electronic ignition.
Vespa PK 125 Automatic, 1984 - An automatic transmission was introduced on the Vespa, probably the most radical change (at least for the driver) since 1946. The presence of the automatic transmission was emphasised by the absence of the brake pedal, which was replaced by a lever on the left handlebar (which did not have to control the clutch as that was automatic). It was also available with automatic oil-petrol mixer and electric ignition. The following year the Vespa PK 50 Automatic was launched.
Vespa T 5 Pole Position, 1985 - The T 5 was the extra-sporty version of the PX series. With a new engine, aluminium cylinder and 5 intake ports, but the design was also new, particularly at the rear and around the front headlamp which incorporated an aggressive dome with a small plexiglas windscreen. A spoiler was added on the cowling.
Vespa 50 N, 1989 - The changes to the Italian Highway Code meant that 50 cc vehicles were no longer bound by the 1.5 bhp limit, and Piaggio presented a new small Vespa with improved performance (over 2 bhp at 5,000 rpm), and new, smoother styling. A Speedmatic automatic version was also launched but is no longer in production, while, after two successive face-lifts, the Vespa 50 N is still being produced by Piaggio today.
Design Icon
With its elegant lines and classic aesthetics, the Vespa is recognized as the epitome of Italian design. There is a dramatic increase in the number of urban commuters who have purchased new or restored Vespas. The difficulty of parking cars and the Vespa's low running costs are two reasons for this upswing in Vespa (and other scooter) popularity. The cultural use of the scooter as a recreational vehicle with a sub-culture following in the USA/Canada and parts of Europe & Japan. In contrast, the Vespa is considered a utilitarian vehicle for hauling products and sometimes up to 5 family members in much of Asia and Mexico
Vespa enthusiasts can visit the comprehensive Piaggio Museum & Gift Shop adjacent to the plant in central Pontedera, near Pisa, Tuscany. The permanent exhibition includes those items which toured prestigious venues such as the Guggenheim in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Also on display is, perhaps, the most famous Vespa of them all - the one personally customised by Salvador Dalí in 1962.
Racing
In the in the 1950s and early 1960s, Vespa and Lambretta scooters were raced competitively against motorcycles, often winning the races. In the mid 1960s, motorcycle engines became larger and faster, and a gap was created — along with varying cc classifications. Since the 1980s, Vespa and Lambretta racing has grown into a serious sport in the United States. There are various classes in the United States, depending on the racing association. They are generally:
Small Frame Class: Open class up to 152 cc's
Automatics Class
Specials Class
Stock Class: Large-frame Vespa and Lambretta 180 & 200cc scooters.
Historic models
Paperino - the original prototype made in 1945 at Biella
AMCA Troupes Aeról Portées Mle. 56 - A Vespa modified by the French military that incorporated an anti tank weapon.
VBC Super 150
VLB Sprint 150
VBB Standard 150
V9A
VNA
Vespa U - U is for utilitaria (English - economic). 1953 model with a price of 110 mila Lira, 7,000 were produced
GS 150
SS180
GS160
Standard 90 (3 spd)
Standard 50 (3 spd)
SS50 (4 spd)
SS90 (4 spd)-90 SS Super Sprint
150 GL
90 Racer
125 TS
100 Sport
125 GTR
150 Sprint Veloce
180 SS Super Sport
Rally 180
Rally 200
Primavera 125 also ET3 (3 port version)
PK 50
PK 50 XL
PK 50 Roma (Automatic)
50 S
50 Special
50 Special Elestart
50 Sprinter / 50 SR (D)
50 Special Revival (Limited to 3000 Italy-only numbered units, released in 1991)
COSA 1 - 125cc, 150cc, 200cc
COSA 2 - 125cc, 150cc, 200cc
P80 / P80 E (France)
P80X/PX80 E (France)
PK 80 S / Elestart
PK 80 S Automatica / Elestart
PK100 S / Elestart
PK100 S Automatica
PK100 XL
PK125 XL / Elestart
PK 125 S
PK 125 E
PK 125 automatica (automatic transmission)
P 125 E
P200E
PX200EFL
PX200 Serie Speciale (Limited to 400 UK-only numbered units)
T5 / Elestart (5 port engine 125cc P series)
T5 Classic (5 port engine 125cc P series)
T5 Millennium (5 port engine 125cc P series) (Limited to 400 UK-only numbered units)
Recent models
ET2 50 - 2stroke
ET4 50 - 4stroke
ET4 125 (Euro Model)
ET4 150 (US model)
Current models
Vespa S 50 and 125 (new model 2007, introduced at Milan Motorshow november 2006
GT60° 250cc Limited Edition. 999 produced worldwide and unique with the front fender light and each one receiving a commemorative badge, personalized with the owner’s initials.
LX 50
LX 125
LXV 125 (60th anniversary variant of LX 125)
LX 150
GT 125
GT 200
GTS 250
GTV 250 (60th anniversary variant of GTS 250)
PX 125
PX 150 (reintroduced to US and Canadian Markets in 2004)
PX 200 (Still available in late 2006 in Oceania and Asia, future uncertain however)
Specials
One-offs and special machines:
Montlhéry - produced in 1950 to break world records on the French circuit of the same name, it very smashed 17 records in 10 hours
Torpedo - 1951 125cc special with conter-opposing pistons, Dino Mazzoncini set the world record on the kilometer at an average of 171 km/h
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