Vespa Culture
More than a scooter - a global cultural phenomenon spanning film, fashion, and adventure
Iconic Films
Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn made the Vespa an icon. Sales exceeded 100,000 after release.
Captured the Mod culture and Vespa's role in British youth movements.
Jude Law and Matt Damon riding through 1950s Italy.
The Vespa has appeared in over 100 films worldwide, becoming synonymous with Italian style, romance, and adventure. From the sun-drenched streets of Rome to the rainy beaches of Brighton, the Vespa has carried cinema's most memorable characters through some of film's most iconic scenes.
Subcultures & Movements
British youth movement that adopted Vespas and Lambrettas as symbols of style and independence.
Annual gatherings celebrating scooter culture with rides, shows, and customization competitions.
In 1960s Britain, the Modernist (Mod) movement adopted the Vespa and Lambretta as badges of style and sophistication. Mods would customize their scooters with multiple mirrors, lights, and accessories, creating rolling works of art.
Why Vespa?
- • Italian style and sophistication
- • Affordable transportation
- • Protection from weather (leg shield)
- • Easy to customize
- • Symbol of rebellion
Rally Culture
- • Annual gatherings since 1970s
- • Show & Shine competitions
- • Group rides
- • Vintage scooter clubs
- • Global community
Historic Achievements
| Achievement | Rider/Team | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arctic Circle crossing | Giancarlo Tironi | 1950 | Italian student reached the Arctic Circle on a Vespa |
| Andes crossing | Carlos Velez | 1951 | Buenos Aires to Santiago del Chile across the Andes |
| Paris-Dakar Rally | Various | 1980 | Two Vespas PX 200 completed the grueling rally |
In 1951, Vespa proved its reliability by winning 9 gold medals at the prestigious Six Days International Trial in Wales - a grueling off-road endurance competition.
9 Gold MedalsFrom the Arctic Circle to the Andes, from Paris to Dakar, adventurous riders have pushed Vespas to their limits, proving these "city scooters" can conquer any terrain.
Every ContinentProduction Milestones
19M+
Total Units Produced
160+
Different Models
78+
Years of Production
100+
Countries Sold