One of the earliest examples of a big seller, the "Vespa"

A Fifty-Year-Long Worldwide Commercial Success

The scooter par excellence, the "Vespa", the world's most widely copied and biggest-selling scooter - dates from April 1946. A marshal of the Italian Air Force, Ing. Corradino D'Ascanio, was the one who conceived the "Vespa" for those who had never ridden a motorbike. The "Vespa" features technical specifications all of their own: engine and gearbox unit directly connected to the rear wheel, chassis, interchangeable wheels, and a twistgrip-operated gearbox. The extraordinary popularity of the "Vespa" prompted Ing. D'Ascanio to redesign his creation to make it suitable for an increasingly demanding clientele. The new 125 cc model dates from 1948. As regards the model 125/53 exhibited in the Museum - intended for display - the Piaggio company wanted the most interesting and innovative parts to be exposed.

Notes:

• The "Vespa" was so successful, that, within a few years of its launch onto the market, it was made under licence in England, France, Germany and Spain, and later on in some Eastern countries.
• On the occasion of its tenth anniversary in 1956, the millionth "Vespa" was celebrated.
• It cost 168,000 lire

Technical Specifications:
Engine: two-stroke single - Displacement 125 cc - Ignition via flywheel magneto - Maximum power 5 hp at 4,500 rpm - Gearbox: three-speed in unit - Pressurized air cooling via conveyor - Pedal start - Top speed 70 km/h - Capacities: petrol tank 5 litres - Fuel consumption 2 litres per 100 kms - Dry weight 70 kg