Vespa - Vespa 125 Primavera

Vespa 125 Primavera

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 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) into a structural unit.

Piaggio filed a patent for the Vespa scooter design in April 1946. The application documents referred to a "model of a practical nature" for a "motorcycle with rationally placed parts and elements with a frame combining with mudguards and engine-cowling covering all working parts", of which "the whole constitutes a rational, comfortable motorcycle offering protection from mud and dust without jeopardizing requirements of appearance and elegance". The patent was approved the following December.

The first 13 examples appeared in spring 1946, and reveal their aeronautical background. In the first examples, one can recognize the typical aircraft technology. Attention to aerodynamics is evident in all the design, in particular on the tail. It was also one of the first vehicles to use monocoque construction (where the body is an integral part of the chassis).

The company was aiming to manufacture the new Vespa in large numbers, and their longstanding industrial experience led to an efficient Ford-style volume production line. The scooter was presented to the press at Rome Golf Club, where journalists were apparently mystified by the strange, pastel coloured, toy-like object on display. However, the road tests were encouraging, and even with no rear suspension the machine was more manoeuvrable and comfortable to ride than a traditional motorcycle.

Over the years the following model were produced:

1946 Vespa 98

1948 Vespa 125

1953 Vespa 125  a new stronger modified engine

1953 Vespa 125 U (the basic Vespa)

1955 Vespa 150 GS; 1st fast Vespa (100 km/h)

1962 Vespa 160 GS

1963 Vespa 160 GL

1964 Vespa 50: 1st 50 cc Vespa

1965 Vespa 180 SS

1966 Vespa 125

1966 Vespa Super Sprint 90

1968 Vespa 125 Primavera

1968 Vespa 180 Rally

1970 Vespa 50 Elestart

1972 Vespa 200 Rally; Fast Vespa, up to 116 km/h

1976 Vespa 125 Primavera ET3

1978 Vespa P 125 X en P 200

1981 Vespa PX 150 E

1983 Vespa PK 125 en PK 50

1984 Vespa PK 125 Automatic; 1st Vespa with automatic transmission

1985 Vespa T5 Pole Position

1989 Vespa 50 N

1996 Vespa ET 4 125; 1st Vespa with a 4-stroke engine 

1997 Vespa ET 2 50

1999 Vespa ET 4 150

2000 Vespa ET 4 50

2001 Vespa PX; 1st Vespa with disc brakes at the front

2003 Vespa Granturismo 200 L en 125 L

2005 Vespa LX

2005 Vespa GTS 250 i.e.; fastest Vespa ever

2006 Vespa LX HyS; hybrid scooter, 4-stroke and electric engine