Vespa History Timeline

From post-war Italy to modern electric scooters - 78+ years of iconic design

1946-1961Era 1

Wideframe Era

The original Vespa design with a wide, curved body and distinctive 'wasp-like' silhouette. These feature the classic rod-operated gear change and smaller 8-inch wheels.

Key Characteristics

Rod gear change8-inch wheelsWide curved bodyBeaded frame construction

Collectibility

High - Most valuable to collectors, especially early examples

Price Range

$8,000 - $50,000+

1958-2017Era 2

Largeframe Era

The evolution of the original design with larger 10-inch wheels, cable-operated gears, and more powerful engines. Includes iconic models like the GS, Rally, and PX series.

Key Characteristics

10-inch wheelsCable gear changeLarger bodyMore powerful engines

Collectibility

Medium to High - GS and Rally models most sought after

Price Range

$4,000 - $20,000

1963-1996Era 3

Smallframe Era

Compact, lightweight Vespas designed for younger riders and urban use. Features include the distinctive 45-degree inclined cylinder and compact dimensions.

Key Characteristics

Compact body45-degree cylinderLightweight3-speed or 4-speed gearbox

Collectibility

Medium - Primavera ET3 most desirable

Price Range

$3,000 - $12,000

1996-PresentEra 4

Modern Automatic Era

The new generation of Vespas featuring automatic CVT transmission, 4-stroke engines, and modern conveniences while maintaining the classic steel monocoque body.

Key Characteristics

Automatic CVT4-stroke enginesSteel monocoque bodyModern fuel injection

Collectibility

Low to Medium - 946 series highly collectible

Price Range

$4,599 - $13,499

Notable Milestones

1946 - The Beginning

Corradino D'Ascanio designs the first Vespa 98 for Piaggio. The name "Vespa" (wasp) comes from Enrico Piaggio's reaction to the distinctive shape and sound.

1953 - Roman Holiday

Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck's iconic ride through Rome on a Vespa 125 catapults the scooter to global fame. Sales exceed 100,000 units following the film's release.

1955 - The Legendary GS

Launch of the Vespa 150 GS (Gran Sport) - the first to break 100 km/h. Features 4-speed gearbox, 10-inch wheels, and becomes the most celebrated Vespa model ever produced.

1977 - PX Revolution

The PX series launches, becoming the longest-running and best-selling Vespa model. Production continues until 2017 with over 3 million units sold.

1996 - 4-Stroke Era

The ET4 125 introduces 4-stroke engines and CVT automatic transmission on Vespa's 50th anniversary. Marks the beginning of the modern automatic era.

2019 - Electric Future

Launch of the Vespa Elettrica - the first battery-electric Vespa. Maintains classic styling with zero-emission technology for urban mobility.