Vespa: The History of a Legend from Its Origins to the Present

The Vespa is an Italian icon—and here is the official story of the brand since its legendary creation, more than 70 years ago.

When it was conceived in 1946, the Vespa was met with skepticism because it was not a motorbike but rather a vehicle born from crossing airplane and automobile technology. Nonetheless, it soon became a success as the first two-wheeled economy vehicle in history, perfect for postwar transportation. It was also a unique design object that would be imitated by many an...