Vespa Celebrates 65th Anniversary

Motorcycle.com Staff
by Motorcycle.com Staff

Vespa Celebrates 65th Anniversary

Iconic brand founded April 23, 1946
By Motorcycle.Com Staff, Apr. 01, 2011
Vespa is celebrating its 65th anniversary with a parade in Rome.

The iconic scooter brand was founded April 23, 1946 in Florence, Italy, when Piaggio patented the first Vespa 98cc scooter to provide an affordable method of transportation for post-World War II Italy.

Vespa has sold more than 17 million units over the last 65 years. The 133,000 units sold in 2010 marked five straight years of six-figure unit sales, and more than double the 50,000 units sold in 2003.

To mark its 65th anniversary, Vespa is holding a week of celebrations in Rome including a parade of Vespas through the city on April 3.

Leading the way will be the 2011 edition of the Vespa PX, the most successful model in company history with sales topping 3 million units worldwide (unfortunately, it is not currently being offered in the U.S.).

With over 3 million sold, the Vespa PX is the highest selling Vespa scooter of all time.

The 2011 Vespa PX is the only current model in the companys range with a manual four-speed transmission. Available with either a 123cc or 150cc two-stroke engine, both versions equipped with CDI electronic injection and both kick and electric starters.

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Motorcycle.com Staff
Motorcycle.com Staff

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