A Brief History of the Vespa


Just as Henry Ford created mass individual transport for the United States with the Model T, in 1946 Enrico Piaggio devised its counterpart, the Vespa, for Italy. Emerging from Worl War II, Piaggio quickly rebult its factory in Tuscany, focusing on providing the recovering nation with an economical and modern mode of transportation. Thus, the Vespa arose like a Phoenix from the ashes of War. Lina Wertmuller, the legendary Italian director, would call the Vespa "one of the first positive symbols of a rebuilt Italy...a symbol of its sunny, beautiful, simpatica and vital nature.

The iconic Vespa, considered the ultimate motor scooter, was originally a utility vehicle. By the 1960's, it had become an object of the Italians' imagination, becoming one of the best known Italian trademarks in the world today.

For the Vespa project, Enrico Piaggio enlisted Corradino D'Ascanio, an aeronautical engineer. Using his extensive knowledge of aeronautics, D'Ascanio created a simple and affordable vehicle which could be driven by both men and women of any age, carry a passenger if desired, and, best of all, not dirty their clothes like many of the motorcyles of the time.

D'Ascanio created a 98cc vehicle with a slew of radical design ideas that included a sleek stress bearing structure. He moved the gear lever to the handlebar to make riding easier, replaced the typical fork support with an aeronautical type arm (similar to aircraft carriage) to make tire changing easier, and positioned the engine under the rear wheel. He also designed a scooter body that protected the driver from dirt and the elements. The resulting two-wheel scooter (elegant, classy, and bearing no resemblance to the uncomfortable and noisy motorcycle of the time), was an immediate success. The New York Times called it "a completely Italian product, such as we have not seen since the Roman chariot.

Combing the best elements of aeronautics, automobiles, and motorycles, the scooter instantly became an icon of design and economy. Upon seeing the original prototype, the company's president remarked, "It looks like a wasp!" In Italian, that's "vespa." The name stuck and the scooter's popularity quickly spread around the globe, selling models by the million. Today, it remains the preferred mode of transportation in many European cities.

Debuting to the public at the 1946 Milan Fair, the new scooter became a quick hit. Backed by aggressive advertising campaigns, it became synonymous with freedom, agile exploitation of space, and relaxed social relationships. In the United States, the buying surge grew until the stringent demands of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) halted sales. But after a 15-year hiatus, the Vespa returned to the United States in 2000 as has enjoyed increasing popularity ever since.

Indeed, with the wealth of stores, clubs, and organizations that have sprung up during the past few years, Vespa riders will be seen on American roads for years to come.