Vespa from 1981 to 2000

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 speedy Vespa 50 S in 1985 to the elegant Vespa ET in 1996.

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 50 S 1985

VESPA 50 S 1985

To accept the demands of some countries, Piaggio developed a faster 50 cc model.

The engine produced a higher power even with the same bore and stroke measurements as the standard model.

VESPA 125 T5 POLE POSITION 1985

Developed in 1985 as a completely new and redesigned Vespa the 125 T5 Pole Position was equipped with a new engine which provided enhanced performance . The aggressive lines, the spoiler, the windshield and the digital tachometer enhanced its sporting character. At this time Piaggio had the difficult task of competing with a roaring and fierce competition from Japan.

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 back in 1991 was limited to just 3000 units. It was thought for young riders who hadn’t been born during the 60s or did not manage to get on a Vespa. 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).

VESPA ET2 & ET4 1996

Vespa enters the third millennium without losing its elegant lines and distinguishable design. However due to years of experience it was more technologically innovative and it reached new heights in terms of comfort. The new generation of Vespa was available in three versions: Vespa ET4, equipped with an environmentally friendly 4-stroke 125cc engine, Vespa ET2, with a modern and reliable two-stroke engine and the Vespa ET2 Injection, powered by the FAST ( Fully Atomized Stratified Turbulence). These where the first two-wheelers with two-stroke direct injection engines that allowed the rider to reduce fuel consumption up to -30% and the emission up to -70%.

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