The Italian Modern Vespa series once again surprisingly wrote history. In 1996, another important milestone was set in the company’s history and for the friends of the cult scooter. But before that it did not look like it.
In the mid-90s, there was a certain standstill in innovation and inventiveness of the Piaggio company. The famous PX and PK model ranges passed their peak at the time. The new Vespa model “Cosa” did not really get off the ground. The influx was missing. Other Vespa models came up to date better in momentum. The competition of the Modern Vespa series did not sleep and pushed strongly on the market. This could not continue for the traditional Italian company.
But a true Italian does not allow himself to be ruffled. In the small town of Pontedera, the home of the Vespa manufacturer Piaggio, a deep breath was taken and the strengths of the inventive talent were recalled. The cult scooter Vespa ET as well as ET(2) should be prescribed a fresh cell cure. The origin was to be preserved and only a new coat of paint was to attract attention.
The recognition value of the self-supporting steel body and the maneuverable small tires was merely to be enhanced with modern technology. The concept was a success. The run on the trendy vehicle began. A worldwide hype was unleashed. To this day, the Vespa is a lifestyle product.
Where Vespa is on it, is also Vespa in it
One striking feature in addition to its looks has remained to this day. The automatic transmission and the self-supporting body frame belong together, so does the engine housing. The engine is located on the left side, which is A typical in the design of the scooters. The overall proportions of the Vespa are visually more expansive than previous models. Two different frame shapes are offered. For taste can be argued and thus the manufacturer offers the variant “small” and “large” for its frame. Even a special model is offered. The Vespa “Elettrica” stands for today’s innovative technology of the new age and has an electric drive.
Everybody should know these Vespa models
The classic ET(2) as well as Vespa ET4 belong to the series of the first generation. Almost all Vespa models are offered with chrome luggage racks as well as flyscreen, the so-called “Touring Edition”. The success story of the Vespas brought more models in the years after the turn of the millennium such as the Vespa GT and GTS 125, 250 and 300. The main features are the high suitability for everyday use and the modern engines. Visually, the standard luggage racks and the rear lights in round version stand out. A fresh coat of paint took place both visually and technically. Another generation of the Super Sport Edition was launched in 2008/2009.
Other well-known models such as the Vespa LX, LXV, GTV (special model) as well as GT60 conquered the market in the first decade after the turn of the millennium (2004/2005). The Asian countries preferred especially the LX version.
The Vespa S appeared in 2006 as a tribute to the Vespa 50 from the 70s and 80s. The entire design was based on the period. The technology corresponded to the LX series. The Vespa 946 did not go into production until 2013. The design was strongly based on the beginning of the Vespa history from 1946.
The next generation scooters
The Vespa Sprint, Vespa Primavera as well as the Vespa Primavera Sprint represent a new generation of the cult scooter. A new chapter in Piaggio’s history is written with a new steel body and 11-inch wheels, an edgier frame shape and retreaded front swingarms. The colors of the 70s were big on the Vespa Primavera/Sprint.
Vespa GTS/GTS Super and Vespa GTS 300 HPE belong to the Modern Vespa series. Digitization made its way into the GTS 300 and the speedometer shone with a digital speed display. A slight optical polish also took place alongside a new front suspension.
Electric mobility moved into the house of Piaggio in 2019, respectively, the first scooter with electric drive came on the market. The Vespa models “Elettrica” and “Elettrica 70” are intended to set an example for electric mobility with style. The focus of the new series is on the interaction between new technology and ecology. The “Elettrica” model is particularly powerful, with a top speed of even 70 km/h. Piaggio always manages the balancing act between tradition, cult and new innovations.
