Vespa from 1961 to 1970

We have decided to celebrate 70 years of Vespa with a monthly chronicle of the History of Vespa from 1946 to 2016!

This month we are starting with the elegant Vespa 150 (VBA) in 1961 to the very collectable Vespa 50 with pedals in 1970.

Each month, we will post up a little history and pop it in our newsletter so you can find out a little more of the history of this iconic brand.

VESPA 150 (VBA) 1961

The Vespa 150 (VBA) was presented in 1958 with a few changes. The color was similar to its predecessors (metallic blue), however the side panels where decorated with some aluminium air vents and the rear light was larger and fully chromed.

This model became a great success thanks to its elegance and functionality and made its debut during the Olympic Games in Rome in 1960.

VESPA DALÌ 1962

In the summer of 1962, the Vespa model that today’s probably the most valuable in the world was used to transport two students: Santiago Guillen and Antonio Veciana. The two young men met the master of surrealism, Salvador Dali. Dali, while writing a contemporary chronicle, did not belie his reputation and oddly decided to decorate the body of the Vespa, affixing his signature and name of his wife and muse Gala. In the summer of 1999 in Girona (Spain) during “Eurovespa”, it was exhibited at “The Art of Motorcycle” and was then kindly donated to the Piaggio Museum by Giovanni Alberto Agnelli.

VESPA 50 1963

VESPA 50 1963

Vespa became highly popular among young riders, which chose it to for being such 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

The Super Sprint 90 model was undoubtedly the most original designed by Vespa. The shield got reduced in its size and the top box objects where placed between the seat and the handlebars. The spare wheel, like for the Vespa GS 1955, was housed within the centre of the footrest platform.

The 90 SS, like the Vespa 50, is among the most sought after models and a real collectors item.

VESPA ALPHA 1967

This vehicle was used in the movie “Dick Smart, Agent 2007” with Richard Wyler, Margaret Lee and Rosanna Tapados.

This is a Vespa 180 Super Sport transformed by Piaggio and the English Alpha Willis.

This scooter in the movie was capable of running on the road, flying like a helicopter as well as being a submarine.

VESPA 125 PRIMAVERA 1967

Derived from the 125 VMA1, the Vespa 125 “Primavera” since its release was an immediate success. Performance, agile handling and a powerful engine where all attributes which 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 thought for 16 year olds who loved sports and living outdoors and who did not want to be late for socialising with friends due to city traffic. The main feature of this scooter was the longer chassis, which made it even easier to carry a second passenger.

VESPA 180 RALLY 1968

After the success of the Vespa Super Sport 180, Piaggio developed a new high specification 180cc, with a completely new engine and chassis as well as cosmetic changes to the handlebars and saddle.

The Vespa Rally 180 still remains one of the most successful models and was produced from 1968 to 1973 with a total of over 26,000 vehicles built.

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 the pedals, as French law stated that pedals must be present on all two-wheeled vehicles.

This particular item highly attracted the curiosity of the public and made this model collectable.

You can check out our range of Vespa models by clicking here and for more information on the Vespa 70° Anniversary, click here.