Happy birthday VespaHappy birthday, Vespa! The timeless Italian legend on two wheels turns 74 years old, and in our opinion he wears it well. “On the road” since 1946, our favorite scooter has been a symbol of freedom, adventure and carefreeness ever since.Vespa: a bit of history and trivia of the Made in Italy scooterIt was exactly the April 23, 1946 when Piaggio & C. S.p.A, a company based in Pontedera in the province of Pisa, filed the patent with this description: “Motorcycle with a rational complex of organs and elements with a combined frame with mudguards and hood covering the entire mechanical part.” From that day forward, the Vespa became the most famous Italian two-wheeled myth in the world.But let’s take a step back. In an Italy going through one of its most controversial periods, but one that is also full of expectations and new projects, such as the post-World War II period, Enrico Piaggio, a Genoese entrepreneur working in the nautical outfitting industry, matured the idea of making a two-wheeled vehicle.

His idea is clear: he wants a cheap, clean and simple scooter that is affordable for everyone. To do so, it relies on the expertise of Tuscan aeronautical engineer Corradino D’Ascanio, famous for materializing a number of important projects, particularly helicopter development.

The designer, however, does not like motorcycles. Thus he creates an ergonomic, human-inspired vehicle that can, above all, allow comfortable driving and sitting. When D’Ascanio shows Enrico Piaggio the first working prototype, the latter exclaims in amazement, “It looks like a wasp!” He alludes both to its shape, the famous rounded shape of the bodywork, which later became the scooter’s ultimate symbol of recognition, and to the unmistakable sound of the two-stroke engine.

Thus began the mass production of the Vespa. The progenitor model of the range, the Vespa 98 cc, is an unprecedented success that brings the Piaggio brand to worldwide prominence. The Vespa thus becomes a vehicle within everyone’s reach . A smooth, comfortable, functional scooter capable of going anywhere.Vespa in cinema: the scooter as a symbol of Italian designIt is then the world of cinema that consecrates the Vespa, making it the most famous mythical scooter in the world. At the time, many directors demanded the presence of the Vespa within their scripts, seeing it as a symbol of avant-garde and distinctively Italian style.

The movie film that brings our Vespa to such fame was
Roman Holiday
, a 1953 film directed by William Wyler and starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck . The two protagonists are right in the saddle of our favorite scooter in one of the most beautiful and entertaining scenes of international cinema, filmed in the heart of Rome’s historic center. The undisputed star of the scene, in addition to the beautiful Audrey, is the Vespa model 125, also known as Farobasso, because of the headlight placed on the front fender.The 1960s saw the appearance of models in the three classic displacement levels: 50, 125 and 150. Produced in bright colors and suitable, because of its small displacement, even for the very young, the Vespa 50 is promoted by an advertising campaign with the slogan “No license plate, no license.” The exceptional testimonial is the idol of teenagers who watch Carousel on television every night: Gianni Morandi, riding his Vespa.

The commercial also reads, “With Vespa you can! Because it drives with joy, it is beautiful, it is strong, it is sturdy, it takes us safely on all roads“. Evergreen words that fully describe the two-wheeled vehicle we love so much.

It has to be said: the Vespa has truly been able to win everyone over, assuming the role of a timeless Italian lifestyle phenomenon from the very beginning. It was a testament to the ingenuity and finest Made in Italy design, which is why some models have been exhibited in some museums of design, modern art, science & technology, and transportation around the world. It is part of the permanent collection of the Triennale Design Museum in Milan and also finds its place of honor within the
MoMa
, the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

The Vespa went electricWho knows if they ever imagined that day 74 years ago that the future of the Vespa would be electric.

The electric Vespa knows how to interpret with style the desire for a new relationship between vehicle, environment and technology, giving an easy and pleasant ride. In addition, its beating heart allows for silent mobility. Our favorite scooter has managed to remain extremely true to itself while becoming smart and pioneering zero-emission green mobility. To counteract the background noise of the city and make it more livable.

The electric Vespa is a real journey into the future of this Italian legend. In fact, on this model you can use the Bluetooth system, through which you can answer calls, view messages and manage music safely. To stay connected at all times without taking your hands off the handlebars.

The Vespa is among the best-selling scooters in history and remains one of the world’s recognized Italian symbols. It has been able to respond, from era to era, to the needs of the market but in reality it is much more than just a scooter . It is an Italian way of life and, as Cesare Cremonini sang in Lùnapop with his 50 Special, “But how nice is it to ride around with wings under your feet? / If you have a Vespa Special that takes away your troubles.”

On this special birthday, although a little different from the usual, we look forward to being able to celebrate, or rather vesping, together with our favorite scooter.Subscribe to Tour in Vespa NewsRemain updated on the launch of new tours and exclusive promotions: you will receive valuable tips to experience TourinVespa at its best!