
Motorcyclists like myself like to talk about performance, handling, weight ratios or other gearhead specifications. But riding isn’t always about numbers. It’s more than that, it’s a feeling, emotion, a connection to something beyond the numbers. That’s where the rare gems can be found and where a company like Vespa comes into the picture.
We ride, but we don’t always ride for the same reasons. For some motorbike riders, it’s the practical reasons, it’s affordable, good on gas, easy, convenient and for others it’s performance, handling, the rush of speed and living on the edge. While other rides choose neither for these reasons but for the beauty of the vehicle, the clothes, the venues and the appreciation of like-minded individuals. It’s a different world we don’t always see and one which motorcycling is strongly rooted in. Many riders don’t get to see the full fashionable side of riding, nor do they care. And that’s OK. Again, we all ride for different reasons. But today, let’s take a look into that incredible world which Vespa and Vespa owners dive into. It will either leave you shaking your head in bewilderment or appreciation or maybe a bit of both. And that’s OK too.
I had the wonderful opportunity of living and working in Europe and the USA for a several years back-to-back and as a Canadian let me see if I can shed a little light on the subject. See, the Italian culture isn’t about all Lamborghini’s and Ferrari’s, it’s about living a wonderful fulfilling Southern Europe life (friends, family, faith, culture, food, music and lifestyle), which is very different than Northern Europe’s (Hardworking, industrious, capitalistic, getting things done efficiently and on-time and somewhat social isolating). And this isn’t a pick on which one is better or worse nor that the South and North Europeans culture’s don’t blend, it’s more about understanding which priorities are, well, prioritized. For us in North America, think Mexico and Caribbean culture vs Northern USA and you’ll get a skewed idea.
Also as a professionally trained Graphic Artist (which AI is wiping all us creative people off the map, but that’s a separate issue), I can see both sides of this picture as well and hopefully that helps me explain it. Maybe that’s why I like colorful stylish motorcycles like Moto Guzzi’s, MV Agusta’s and Aprilia’s?
Like in woodwork there’s life in the wood, a natural beauty. So Vespa (and other brands too) ask, why can’t be make metal beautiful and flow. Can we give metal life? Can we blend in friends, family, faith, culture, food, music and lifestyle into that metal sculpture? If we go back to Lamborghini’s and Ferrari’s, sure, they are fast and handle amazingly well, but it isn’t just performance that makes them desirable, it’s style, lines and “the look and lifestyle”. That’s what Vespa: Beauty on Two-Wheels is more than Performance Numbers is telling us all. Look beyond the numbers, look at how the lines flow, the elegance of the body work, the colors, fashion and style and think…
Now that’s Italian!
Let’s now go through some pictures I’ve hand picked, I find pictures can say a thousand words. As you look at them, think from the Italian mindset and enjoy. Also I’ve added the articles they appeared in so you can have further context too.
All that said, I guess I should promote my 2027 Vespa reviews and 2026/2027 bike review guides on Total Motorcycle, after all, by you visiting them is how I get paid; not by the manufacturers but by a few ads here and there. Now if I can only interest those same manufacturers in helping support TMW and giving a little back on the promotions I run for them for the past 27 years… but that’s another story.
Vespa unveils the new Vespa 946 Horse and, for the year of the horse, introduces IN SELLA, the third drop of the AL VENTO collection
Vespa’s Lunar Collection expands with the new Vespa 946 Horse, a limited edition paying tribute to the symbolism of the Year of the Horse. Following the Dragon and the Snake, the new year welcomes the values embodied by the horse – regal, dynamic and a symbol of resilience – translated into this latest interpretation of the Vespa 946. Blending freedom of movement with innate elegance, the new version is masterfully crafted with meticulous attention to design.
The edition is distinguished by its bay color, a deep brown shade that recalls the glossy, dark coat of the horse. A signature version featuring a steel body, reimagined through contrasting matte and gloss finishes and refined golden details, such as the V monogram stamped at the center of a horseshoe beneath the saddle. Italian craftsmanship takes shape in the new Vespa 946, a model that merges elegance and character through a design enriched by a leather saddle inspired by equestrian tack, handcrafted by skilled Italian artisans, and premium leather trims adorning the handlebars and rear-view mirrors.
A curated selection of accessories complements the limited edition with care and precision, reflecting its equestrian-inspired style. Made in Italy from the same leather as the saddle, the rear bag is both practical and elegant, while the windshield features aluminium supports that enhance its aesthetic appeal. In keeping with the Vespa 946 Horse, the jet helmet showcases a three-dimensional gold V on the back, reinforcing its strong and distinctive identity.
Alongside the Vespa 946 Horse comes IN SELLA, the third drop of the AL VENTO collection, designed for those who experience style as an authentic expression of their personality. This capsule opens a new chapter in the project with the introduction of the new Royal crest, a graphic design featuring a horse and a dachshund mirrored symmetrically, inspired by Vespa’s archival graphics and reinterpreted in a contemporary key. The emblem appears on the wool varsity jacket, enhanced with gold embroidery and details that echo both the regal spirit of the collection and the brand’s heritage.
“80 Years of an Icon”: the exhibition celebrating Vespa’s 80th anniversary arrives at Rome’s Foro Italico from June 25 to 28
CURATED BY GIACOMO BRETZEL, THE EXHIBITION CHRONICLES THE HISTORY AND GLOBAL CULTURAL IMPACT OF THE VESPA BRAND THROUGH NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN IMAGES AND UNIQUE MODELS
THE SHOW IS A HIGHLIGHT OF “VESPA ROMA 2026 – 80 YEARS OF AN ICON,” A FOUR-DAY FESTIVAL OF PUBLIC EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS FROM JUNE 25 TO 28
Rome – June 22, 2026 – From June 25 to 28, the Vespa Village at Rome’s Foro Italico will host “80 Years of an Icon – The Exhibition,” celebrating a true Italian legend. The exhibition reimagines eight decades of global history, charting the evolution of style, culture, and society. This visual journey features imagery that goes far beyond the evolution of a motorbike it highlights how Vespa became a global symbol of Italian elegance and innovation, playing a leading role in modern history.
Frame by frame, visitors are taken on a journey through the many personas of the Vespa: a mode of transport and an instrument of freedom, a travel companion, and a style statement. It has been the hero of extraordinary adventures and a symbol of a lifestyle that continues to resonate across generations and cultures. From the streets of European cities to grand intercontinental rallies, movie sets, and magazine covers, Vespa stands out as one of the most recognizable and influential symbols of contemporary visual culture.
Curator Giacomo Bretzel describes the vision behind the exhibition: “This is the story of an Italy that has traveled far on a Vespa. I immersed myself in the magic of a scooter that acts as a bridge between past and present, evolving into a timeless icon. With this exhibition, I wanted to unveil a journey around the globe using magnificent images discovered in the Piaggio archives and other private collections. I then shot a new series featuring a group of young people around Pisa, near Pontedera. Against backdrops of sun-drenched coastal roads and classical architecture, the Vespa serves as a visual diary—balancing the spirit of exploration with the fine line between shared connection and independence.”
The exhibition brings together imagery from some of the most prestigious Italian and international archives, spanning the Piaggio Historical Archive in Pontedera, Intesa Sanpaolo’s Publifoto Archive, the ENI Historical Archive, the Pirelli Foundation, and the Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation. Contributing institutions also include the CSAC (Center for Studies and Archive of Communication at the University of Parma), the Alinari Foundation for Photography, the Civic Photographic Archive of Milan, and the National Museum of Photography in Milan-Cinisello Balsamo, alongside international names such as Asterias Productions-Studio Kameni, Magnin-A, Magnum Photos, Gamma-Rapho, The Jean Pigozzi African Art Collection, Polka Galerie, and Studio William Klein.
Enhancing this rich heritage is a curated selection of fine-art photography sourced from galleries and private collections worldwide. Masterpieces by legendary photographers dialogue seamlessly with Bretzel’s own contemporary shots, weaving a collective narrative that spans continents, visual mediums, and generations. This stellar lineup features works by renowned photographers including Paola Agosti, Bruno Barbey, Peter Beard, Dominique Berretty, Carlo Carlevaro, Mario Cattaneo, Walter Deutz, Robert Emmett Bright, Tam Fagiuoli, Derk Hudson, Ionesco, Marc Gantier, Michel Kameni, Seydou Keïta, Keystone-France, William Klein, Adama Koyaté, Luigi Leoni, Fosco Maraini, Heini Mayr, Gabriele Milani, Johnny Moncada, David McMurry, Alice Moitie, Domingo Nardulli, Toni Nicolini, Claude Nori, Federico Patellani, Pierluigi fotonotizie, Publifoto Milano, Publifoto Roma, Reporters Associés, David Seymour, Malick Sibidé, Studio Villani, Jean-Louis Swiners, Italo Zannier, and Paolo Zerbini.
Alongside the photographic works, a curated display of rare and vintage models from the Piaggio Museum and prestigious private collections anchors the exhibition. On show will be Vespas that broke speed records, embarked on legendary overland journeys, starred in cinematic history, and left an indelible mark on popular culture. Visitors will have the chance to admire special editions and pieces of extraordinary historical value, most notably the Spanish-made Vespa 150 S customized and signed by Salvador Dalí. Following its Rome debut, “Vespa. 80 Years of an Icon – The Exhibition” will travel to the Piaggio Museum in Pontedera, where it will be open to the public from July 9 to November 7, 2026.
Giacomo Bretzel
Driven by his core passions—portraiture, gastronomy, travel, motorcycles, and cars—Giacomo Bretzel is a photographer-poet with an extraordinary talent for capturing transient moments, movement, and the shared threads of humanity across the globe. A regular contributor to major international publications, Bretzel finds his ultimate expression in analog photography, where the raw magic of a single, unrepeatable moment truly comes alive. (www.giacomobretzel.com).
The Piaggio Museum
Inaugurated in March 2000, the Piaggio Museum is housed in the former toolmaking workshop—one of the oldest and most atmospheric sections of the Pontedera industrial complex, where production first began in the early 1920s. Established to preserve and celebrate the heritage of one of Italy’s oldest enterprises, the museum chronicles the history of Piaggio and its surrounding region. It charts a sweeping narrative of Italian economic transformation, cultural evolution, and industrial growth through its most iconic products and the extensive documentation preserved in its Historical Archive. Fully renovated in 2018, with 26 years of activity and more than 1,025,000 visitors, the Piaggio Museum now spans 5,000 square meters with over 350 pieces on display. It stands as Italy’s largest and most comprehensive museum dedicated to two-wheelers, showcasing unique models that tell the story not just of the Piaggio Group, but of the mobility, social development, and industrial spirit of Italy. (www.museopiaggio.it)
Completely renovated in 2018, with 26 years of operation and more than 1,025,000 visitors, the Piaggio Museum now covers 5,000 square meters and features more than 350 exhibits.
Vespa “Edizione Ottantesimo”
UNVEILED IN ROME AT THE FORO ITALICO AS PART OF THE “80 YEARS OF AN ICON” EVENT, THE VESPA EDIZIONE OTTANTESIMO IS AVAILABLE TO ORDER FROM TODAY ON VESPA.COM
A COLLECTOR’S MODEL BASED ON THE VESPA GTS 310, PRODUCED IN A NUMBERED EDITION, LIMITED TO 1,946 UNITS
THE SPECIAL LIVERY, INSPIRED BY THE RAW STEEL OF THE BODY, IS THE PERFECT BLEND OF TRADITION AND MODERNITY
EIGHTY YEARS OF FREEDOM, LIGHT-HEARTEDNESS, STYLE AND ELEGANCE, ENCAPSULATED IN AN EXCLUSIVE EDITION THAT IS ALREADY IN HIGH DEMAND FROM COLLECTORS AND ENTHUSIASTS
Rome, 25 June 2026 – In Rome, against the inimitable and majestic backdrop of the Foro Italico, Vespa presents the Vespa Edizione Ottantesimo, on the opening day of the celebrations marking its 80th anniversary.
The Vespa Edizione Ottantesimo embodies eighty years of powerful stories and overwhelming passion: tales of freedom and independence, of enthusiasm and of the joy of being alive, stories featuring an Italian legend.
Rome, the Eternal City, the place that more than any other evokes the iconic imagery of La Dolce Vita, was the only choice for the baptism of such a unique creation. This special model is rare from the outset: as a tribute to the year the Vespa was created, each edition produced will be numbered, and limited to just 1,946 units in total.
The Vespa Edizione Ottantesimo revives, reinterprets and pays homage to the Vespa’s symbolic backbone, the distinctive feature which truly represents this vehicle in its purest, most unmistakable form: the load-bearing body with its timeless design, constructed entirely and exclusively from steel.
Indeed, even the unique livery of the Vespa Edizione Ottantesimo is inspired by the raw steel of the bodywork. Pure metal: rough, solid, indestructible, authentic.
But Vespa is also innovation, technology and excellence, attention to detail and an exacting focus on even the tiniest elements. Here, the steel finish meets the vibrancy of colour, blending with the refined finishes to create a magical fusion of tradition and modernity.
A distinctive shade of green, which harks back to Vespa’s early single-colour models, is featured on the saddle and wheel rims. With a sporty single-seater look, the rear seat is covered by a removable hard cover in the same colour as the body, a nod to the typical fairings of competition Vespas. However, the saddle is in fact type-approved for two riders and features a wide, comfortable seat with horizontal heat-sealed seams and tone-on-tone stitching around the contours.
The wheel rims boast a design that reinterprets the closed, pressed sheet-metal structure of the version fitted to the legendary Vespa 98 from 1946, and are enhanced by a channel with a diamond-cut finish.
A special three-dimensional graphic depicting the number 80 stands out on the sides, in the same green. Its contours not only feature the hexagonal logo, the common thread that ties this extraordinary anniversary together, but also inevitably bring to mind the shape of a bolt, thus highlighting the manual craftsmanship and artisan-quality workmanship that have always characterised Vespa vehicles.
The set-up of this model is completed by a numbered commemorative plaque, positioned in the under-seat compartment.
A special dedicated helmet is also provided, which matches the Vespa perfectly. The top of the helmet echoes the textured grey of the bodywork, with a matte finish, and is complemented by green detailing. The number 80 stands out on the back, in the same design that appears on the sides of the Vespa Edizione Ottantesimo.
The Vespa Edizione Ottantesimo shares the same technical base as the models in the Vespa GTS 310 range, and is therefore powered by the modern 310 hpe single-cylinder engine with 25 hp, the most powerful ever used on a Vespa.
The comprehensive range of technological features provided as standard includes full LED lighting and a 5-inch colour TFT display, which allows the rider to make the most of the VESPA MIA connectivity system, which also comes as standard.
It also features a keyless system, which allows the engine to be started without having to insert a traditional key, as well as courtesy lights in the rear of the shield and under-seat compartment. Meanwhile, in terms of safety, electronic traction control (ASR) and anti-lock braking system (ABS) are also provided as standard.
The Vespa Edizione Ottantesimo can be enhanced with stylish accessories, such as the top box – with a capacity of 36 litres – in the same colour as the bodywork, which can be fitted with a padded backrest in the same colour and material as the saddle.
The extensive range of original Vespa accessories is naturally available to lend an even more personalised touch to the vehicle or to enhance its functionality: these include front and rear luggage racks, side bars, fairings and windscreens, and an electronic anti-theft system.
The Vespa Edizione Ottantesimo is available to order as of today online: visit edizioneottantesimo.vespa.com.
Each Vespa Edizione Ottantesimo comes with a unique book
The Vespa Edizione Ottantesimo is a tribute to Italian beauty and style, of which Vespa is one of the world’s leading ambassadors. For this reason, each Vespa sold comes with a beautiful coffee table book by Assouline, a luxury brand known across the world for its stunning volumes dedicated to the culture of style and elegance.
The book celebrates the legend of the Vespa through its most iconic images, alongside rare material unearthed from the Piaggio archives, tracing its evolution and its constant influence on cultures and lifestyles
Vespa Officina 8
A CAPTIVATING NEW EDITION OF THE VESPA HAS LANDED, INSPIRED BY THE MOST AUTHENTIC ORIGINS OF THE LEGEND
THE VESPA PRIMAVERA AND THE VESPA GTV OFFICINA 8 BOAST COLOURS, MATERIALS AND FINISHES THAT EVOKE THE ATMOSPHERE OF THE BRAND’S PRESTIGIOUS EXPERIMENTAL DEPARTMENT, WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
THE OFFICINA 8 IS A TRIBUTE TO THE GENIUS AND CREATIVITY OF THE VISIONARY TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS WHO FIRST BROUGHT THIS TIMELESS SOURCE OF WONDER TO LIFE
A MASTERPIECE OF SKILLED MANUFACTURING, ALSO REVISITED IN THE ACCESSORIES AND DEDICATED CLOTHING CAPSULE COLLECTION THAT ACCOMPANY THE RELEASE
Officina 8. The origins of a legend
Following its post-war reconstruction, Officina 8 within the Piaggio plant in Pontedera was home to the brand’s prestigious Experimental Department. This was the most cutting-edge area of the entire company, where the most daring projects took shape. From the end of the 1940s, this is where designers, draftsmen, mechanics, master metalworkers and test riders worked side by side – all highly-skilled professionals, many of whom had come from the aeronautical industry.
These were the years of rebirth, and the whole of Europe, working to get back on its feet after the dark wartime years, was swept up in an incredible burst of rebirth and creativity. A sense of rediscovered freedom and faith in a future just waiting to be built was the inspiration behind a host of visionary projects.
Officina 8 was where new ideas, including the most revolutionary, first came to life: the workshop saw the design and subsequent prototyping of the first Vespa, both for mass production and for racing and breaking records. The cut-outs for the metal workers, the special chassis models and the sand casting for the experimental engines were all created in-house. The prototype was then handed over to the road testers, who covered tens of thousands of kilometres on these bikes before deciding which to put into production, or which new competition vehicles to build. This is where the elegant lines and timeless style of the Vespa were born.
A highly coveted blue and brass pin with the words “Piaggio 8”, designed to be worn on their work overalls, identified the technicians who worked within the most secret and envied department within the factory.
Working in these spaces, which were inaccessible to everyone else, served as testament to the sheer talent of the development engineers, mechanics, designers and testers.
The Vespa that set 17 world speed and endurance records in 1950, and the flying kilometre record in 1951, the legendary “98 Corsa,” and the models that dominated during the arduous “Six Days” off-road race are just a few of the custom-built masterpieces created in Officina 8.
Each component was crafted with care and skill, highlighting the manual workmanship that characterises the very best Italian manufacturing. Indeed, the talent and technical expertise within the Officina 8 was such that every single vehicle that the workshop created was totally unique, combining the best technology of its time with the style and elegance that would make Vespa so famous.
Officina 8. A new edition of the Vespa has landed, with an exclusive charm
The exclusive Officina 8 set-up appears across the most iconic models in the range: the Vespa Primavera – in its 50, 125, and 150 cc versions – which embodies Vespa’s young, carefree spirit, along with the powerful Vespa Gtv 310, with its low headlight and exposed handlebars, which make it the most authentically sporty Vespa of all time.
The Vespa Primavera and Vespa Gtv Officina 8 immediately stand out from the crowd with their exclusive Blu Officina 8 colour, an intense shade of industrial blue with a special matte metallic finish which helps to turn back time, evoking the industrial environments of the past: machinery such as vices, lathes and grinding wheels, as well as practical, durable workwear.
This colour creates an original contrast with the elegant satin-finish metal accents, which are also highly evocative: aluminium, which embellishes the profile of the shield and the headlight and rear light surrounds, along with brass, which decorates the steering cover grille and wheel rims, the latter of which also feature a diamond-cut finish on the channel.
Colours and materials typical of mechanical workshops and the world of aeronautics and beyond: indeed, the Vespa Officina 8 also brings back the much-coveted brass and blue resin pin worn with pride by members of the historic Experimental Department. On the back plate, the three-dimensional plate dedicated to this model reinterprets the famous pin with a modern slant – a symbol of passion and craftsmanship.
The dual-upholstered saddle is also finished with real care: the seat with horizontal heat-sealed stitching is surrounded by double contrasting stitching, while the polished brass rivets represent a further tribute to tradition. The Vespa Gtv Officina 8 also comes with a rigid cover in the same colour as the bodywork as standard, mirroring the typical fairings of Vespa competition models and lending it an even sportier look.
The set-up is completed with a host of matte black details and sporty bar-end mirrors, also in matte black.
Welcome Kit
Every Vespa Officina 8 is accompanied by an elegant welcome kit, an evocative tin container in the colours of this Special Edition, which contains the Owner’s Book. Beginning with the original archive documents, this precious volume retraces the history of the Experimental Department, the legendary Officina 8, where visionary minds and brilliant technicians shaped the future of the brand, creating a unique history characterised by technological innovation and design.
Accessories, technical clothing and a selection of Vespa Officina 8 apparel
The Vespa Officina 8 range of accessories and technical clothing matches the vehicle’s aesthetics perfectly.
The practical top box, in the same colour as the vehicle, comes with a backrest in the same colours and materials as the seat.
The jet helmet, which comes in a distinctive industrial blue colour with a matte finish, is further enhanced by the Officina 8 series logo, and features a dual visor (transparent and sunshade), a ventilation system and handy micrometric closure. The interior is removable and breathable, with a view to ensuring long-lasting comfort.
The gloves in technical stretch knit material feature a dual-density protective insert on the knuckles, an adjustable Velcro fastening and touchscreen compatibility.
The Vespa Officina 8 Apparel collection evokes a workwear aesthetic, with industrial-inspired graphics. The bold and original lines of the logo capture the spirit of the Officina: a technical-style rendering of the stylised “V” symbol, broken down and then reassembled with screws and bolts.
Suitable for all seasons, the windbreaker jacket is made from technical fabric with a water-repellent coating, and features a zip closure at the front, a pack-away hood and zip side pockets. The breathable mesh lining ensures comfort in all conditions.
The hoodie sweatshirt is made from soft, enveloping cotton, and customised with the graphics from the collection on the chest and sleeves.
The round neck T-shirt in premium cotton features the Officina 8 symbol on the front and an oversized version of the collection logo on the back.
The range is completed by a sports bag with drawstring closure, ideal for everyday use and for use on the bike, along with the distinctive Officina 8 key ring, the perfect gift for Vespa fans.

Michael Le Pard (“Mr. Totalmotorcycle”) is the Founder of Total Motorcycle, the world’s largest motorcycle information site, trusted by over 430 million riders since 1999. With over 34 years of experience in motorcycles, gear and rider culture, he has built a global community dedicated to empowering and inspiring motorcyclists.
Total Motorcycle remains his passion project. Combining expert research, hands‑on knowledge and a commitment to helping riders make informed decisions about bikes, gear and safety worldwide.















