It is synonymous with la dolce vita, joie de vivre, youth, freedom, nimbleness, adventure, independence. In town, it weaves in and out, allowing one and all to enjoy the pleasures of the open air. Far more than an object, the Vespa is a genuine feature!
To this day, both young and old still dream about this ever-young 75-year-old scooter. In all countries of the world! In Belgium alone, more than 5,000 Vespa riders are affiliated to some sixty official clubs! When it comes to the number of members, Belgium is second behind Italy and ahead of Germany.
Having made its name thanks to such films as “Roman Holiday” (1953) or “La Dolce Vita” (1960) in which it became its emblem, to this day the Vespa remains an outstanding success!
It is astounding to note that nearly one million Vespa models were sold worldwide following the film “Roman Holiday” in 1953.
Patented in April 1946, 75 years ago, by Piaggio & C°, this scooter owes its name to its distinctive shape, its slim waist, its curved rear and characteristic insect-like sound (Vespa means “wasp” in Italian). It was company founder Enrico Piaggio himself who gave it that nickname when seeing the prototype.
To celebrate Vespa 75th anniversary, Brussels museum, Autoworld is exhibiting 75 models taking in all eras and models. From the most representative Vespa to uncommon or highly sought-after models.
The summer exhibition starting July 01, will take visitors to the heart of the Italian “Dolce Vita” by retracing the history of the famous scooter. The show will display machines dating from 1947 through to 2021 based on the theme of Vespas predominantly built in Belgian factories (MISA in Jette), French (at Forchambault), German (with Hoffmann in Lindorf), English (by Douglas in Bristol), Spanish (in Madrid), American and from the den of Italian founder Piaggio!
The show will include the MP6, the highly popular “faro basso,” the first side-cars, the three-wheeled APE and TriVespalight commercial models, a 150 GS ‘Vespone”, the most powerful Vespa for 17 years.
Other models included are a CMA Vespa TAP 150cc military version, a “U” modelas in “Utility’, the cheapest of the Vespa scooters at that time and which has become, nowadays, one of the most expensive and most sought!
A retrofitted 946 in 2013 with a 125cc engine in tribute to early Vespa models, plus a new scooter to celebrate the brand’s 75th year. And keeping abreast of the present, the show also includes e-mobility, with the electric Vespa.
Ten old model barn-finds will be displayed in their original condition.
This exposition is possible Thanks to Mario Catapano’s efforts in mobilizing and convincing numerous collectors to lend us their precious Vespas.
More information click HERE. All images courtesy of: Autoworld
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