The Vespa Scooter appreciation thread.

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Since I'm not morphing into a Hippie, any time before the end of 2007, I've thought that I'd start a thread about my favourite motor bike. I've always liked the 1950s and the British 60s. The Vespa was first built in 1954 (?), and Mods used to ride around on them, during the Mid 1960s.

thats real cool.

Thankyou.

sure. no problem

I have seen photos of Vespas. They are really good-looking.

For some reason, I have a profound fascination with vehicle makes and models that aren't sold in the U.S. It's interesting that some of the Ford models in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa use vehicle make names that were once used in the U.S. during the 50s, 60s, and early 70s.

Tim

I have a copy of the movie, Quadrophenia on VHS. Jason had a Vespa that was covered in Union Flag livery.

Actually he had a Lambretta.
Great movie.
I have a 1977 Vespa primavera 125 in my shop now.
Pure junk.
The "Stella" is a modern copy of a Vespa, sold here in the U.S.
Unfortunately they just recently went out of buisness.
Look at Scooterworks.com for more Vespa stuff.

The Vespa was produced first in 1947 and was a tremendous success. Some demented adman tried to change its name in Cosa, which mean "Thing", perhaps in yhe 70s. It was a complete advertising fiasco, and they immediately went back to the Vespa name. I used much the competitor Lambretta, very pleasurable and handy. Both scooters came frome the reconversion of factories producing war material.

Was it a Vespa Cary Grant rode around on in Roman Holiday? (Good film that )

Yes it was a Vespa, but the man was Gregory Peck, not Cary Grant.

I like the sleek design of the older ones.

Oh yes, it was! Thanks Paolo, I always get those two actors mixed up. I do that with Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas too.