The Telegraph
·Jul 2026
Viva Vespa: the scooter that charmed the world turns 80
Vespa’s 80th anniversary is marked by a global gathering in Rome, celebrating the scooter’s enduring popularity, distinctive postwar design by Corradino D’Ascanio, and cultural legacy shaped by film, fashion, and celebrity. Piaggio’s continuous production, strategic marketing, and modern special editions have maintained the Vespa’s relevance as both a practical urban vehicle and a symbol of style and freedom. The scooter’s influence on Italian mobility, its cinematic fame, and its survival over competitors reinforce its status as an iconic design that remains integral to contemporary urban life.