Vespa Logo

In the wake of World War II, 1946, to be precise, Piaggio, an Italian manufacturing giant, perceived the need for affordable modes of transport and consequently birthed the brand Vespa. The brainchild behind Vespa’s initial design was Corradino D’Ascanio, who infused the scooter with an aeronautics-inspired aesthetic, yielding a unique wasp-like silhouette.

Vespa’s appeal skyrocketed in Italy, and by the 1950s, the streets of countries such as the UK, France, and Germany were buzzing with over a million of these scooters. This era bore witness to Vespa’s diversifying range that included utility, sport, and luxury models, firmly embedding the scooter as not just a vehicle but a testament to freedom and panache.

The 1960s heralded global acclaim for Vespa, with its annual production figures soaring past 200,000. Adapting to the demand, Vespa commenced production in countries far and wide, from Spain to India. Even as the 1970s and 80s winds ushered in fierce competition, especially from Japanese contenders, Vespa’s emblematic charm remained undiminished, especially in its homeland and several European corners.

The 1990s saw Vespa strategically tap into the lifestyle sector, rejuvenating its stature as a chic, quintessential brand. This phase also saw the introduction of models that echoed the classic Vespa essence but with a modern twist. Today, Vespa stands tall, crafting its iconic scooters in Italy, merging contemporary technology with the timeless design synonymous with unparalleled Italian flair.