For as long as I can remember I have always been fascinated with Vespas.  Their unmistakable sound “buzzing bee” is something unique to this scooter.  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.  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.  The name means wasp in Italian and is apropos of the distinctive sound the scooter makes.  If I every am fortunate enough to purchase one the hardest part will be choosing the color.

Positano Yello , Piazza di Pasquino, Rome, 2013

“Quite simply put, this video captures the story of one man’s loving restoration of a 1964 Vespa 150 S, one of the most beautiful – and most copied! – motorcycle designs of the 20th century.”

Related Information

• Rent a Vespa in Rome (bicibaci.com)
• Scooter parking: the legalities can be bumpy (myparkingpermit.com)
• Vespa Celebrates 50th Anniversary (vespausa.com)
• Celebrities on Vespas