This is a Smallframe Series
This is a Smallframe Series |
Vespa is an Italian brand of scooter manufactured by Piaggio. The name means wasp in Italian. The Vespa has evolved from a single model motor scooter manufactured in 1946 by Piaggio & Co. S.p.A. of Pontedera, Italy to a full line of scooters and one of seven companies today owned by Piaggio. From their inception, Vespa scooters have been known for their painted, pressed steel unibody which combines, in a unified structural unit, a complete cowling for the engine (enclosing the engine mechanism and concealing dirt or grease), a flat floorboard (providing foot protection), and a prominent front fairing (providing wind protection).
This is a Smallframe Series
VESPA 50 1963
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VESPA 50 1963 |
Vespa became highly popular among young riders, who chose it to for being easily manageable and aesthetically pleasing. In order to attract a wider audience, Piaggio introduced the Vespa 50, which was promoted with the slogan "Young, Modern and ... without documents”. It was a Vespa that, according to the rules of the Highway Code in 1963, could be driven without plates and without a license starting from the age of 14. The Vespa 50 was the last scooter designed by Corradino D'Ascanio and the 50cc is a landmark in the history of Vespa: from 1964 to the present, more than 3 million 50cc models have been produced
VESPA 90 SUPER SPRINT 1966
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VESPA 90 SUPER SPRINT 1966 |
The Super Sprint 90 model was undoubtedly the most original designed by Vespa. The shield got reduced in size and the top box objects were placed between the seat and the handlebars. The spare wheel, like for the Vespa GS 1955, was housed within the center of the footrest platform. The 90 SS, like the Vespa 50, is among the most sought after models and is a real collectors item.
VESPA 125 PRIMAVERA 1967
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VESPA 125 PRIMAVERA 1967 |
Derived from the 125 VMA1, the Vespa 125 "Primavera" since was an immediate success. Performance, agile handling, and a powerful engine were all attributes that made the Vespa Primavera such a success in the sixties. The Primavera was aimed at young people and Piaggio developed the slogan, "With a Vespa you can be" for its launch. It was aimed at 16 year olds who loved sports and living outdoors and who did not want to be late for socializing with friends due to city traffic. The main feature of this scooter was the longer chassis, which made it even easier to carry a passenger.
VESPA 50 WITH PEDALS 1970
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VESPA 50 WITH PEDALS 1970 |
The Vespa 50, to be marketed in France, underwent a transformation in order to adapt to French regulations. This new scooter had to be adapted by Piaggio to enable the mounting of pedals, as French law stated that pedals must be present on all two-wheeled vehicles. This particular item highly attracted public curiosity and made this model collectable.
VESPA 50 SPECIAL 1973
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VESPA 50 SPECIAL 1973 |
Marketed since 1969, the Vespa 50 Special was predominantly presented for the youth market with cosmetic changes to the handlebars, the headlamp, and the tail light. In 1969, the Vespa 50 Elestart was also launched. It kept the same design as the Special, but had an innovative technical adaptation: the electric ignition. From 1969 to 1973, Piaggio launched one its most famous campaigns: "Who 'Vespas' eats apples" which referred to the success of the Vespa 50 special.
VESPA 125 ET3 1976
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VESPA 125 ET3 1976 |
Commissioned specifically for the export market, the Vespa ET3 125 had the same features of the Italian ET3, together with the seat, the fan cover and the range of colors. It was particularly popular in Japan, where it remained on sale until the mid-nineties.
VESPA PRIMAVERA ET3 1976
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VESPA PRIMAVERA ET3 1976 |
VESPA 100 SPORT 1978
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VESPA 100 SPORT 1978 |
Deriving from the Vespa 90, the 100 Sport model was developed due to legislation for mopeds in the American market. The rear lights, in particular, are larger. The capacity increase from 90 to 100 cc was achieved by increasing the cylinder bore.
VESPA 50 S 1985
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VESPA 50 S 1985 |
To meet the demands of some countries, Piaggio developed a faster 50 cc model. The engine produced a higher power model, while keeping the same bore and stroke as the standard model.
VESPA 50 SPECIAL REVIVAL 1991
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VESPA 50 SPECIAL REVIVAL 1991 |
Replicated in the early nineties to meet the many demands of fans, the Vespa 50 Special was most popular model among young people in the sixties. Appreciated throughout the world, the special model in 1991 was limited to just 3,000 units. It was aimed towards young riders who weren't born during the 60s. This model was a legendary product and was even exhibited at the prestigious location of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. A Vespa 50 Special Revival was kindly donated to the Museum Piaggio "Giovanni Alberto Agnelli" by Christa Solbach (IVF President, International Federation of Vespa Club).
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