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The Sexy, Sexy Italy!
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  • 1943

    MP5 Paperino

    At the end of the war Enrico Piaggio had the phenominal idea of building a product for mass production which could provide a low cost transportation solution. A prototype made by the engineer Spolti Renzo which was named the MP5 (Moto Piaggio 5). The prototype, however, was not to Enrico Piaggio's tastes, so he then entrusted Corradino D'Ascanio with reviewing the project and building a different model, with improvements from both a technical and design perspective. Rather than working on the basis of the MP5 D'Ascanio created a totally new vehicle that become the Vespa.

  • 1945

    Vespa MP6 prototype

    D'Ascanio was given the task of designing a new type of two-wheeled vehicle that was extremely simple and cheap to run. D'Ascanio, built a completely new 2-wheel concept which was totally new and innovative. Unlike motorcycles he placed the engine on the rear wheel, a highly original concept. In September 1945 the MP6 prototype remained completely nameless, until it was presented to Enrico Piaggio whom claimed that "it looks like a wasp", it was then that Vespa was born! In April 1946 the first 50 Vespas where built in the factory in Pontedera.

  • 1946

    Vespa98

    In April 1946, this amazing new, functional and innovative mode of transport was presented to the general public for the first time at a Golf Club in Rome. The shield was embossed with a new logo which replaced the previous Piaggio Aircraft emblem. Vespa was an immediate success and gained extensive media interest as well as public curiosity, surprise and even skepticism. The first sales of Vespa where made via a small dealer network and the price of the model was 55,000 lire, while the deluxe version is sold at 66,000 lire.

  • 1947

    Vespa 98 Corsa

    Vespa 98 Corsa was the first ever sporty Vespa, designed for racing and enhanced performance. This version of the Vespa has participated in many competitions, including uphill circuits and has gained several victories. The shape of the Vespa 98 Corsa was derived from the first production model, however it is different due to the narrow shield, the curved race position handlebars and the aerodynamic design. The engine was an integral part of this vehicle and was designed to give better ventilation it also has no starter and the crankcase is split at the point where the lever should stay put in motion, thus allowing a greater inclination during cornering. The scooter has a top speed of 80 km per hour with a 3 speed gearbox and was equipped with a two-stroke Piaggio engine, which was derived from the production model.