Vespa from 1971 to 1980

We have decided to celebrate 70 years of Vespa with a monthly chronicle of the History of Vespa from 1946 to 2016!

This month we are starting with the everyday Vespa 50 Special in 1973 to the iconic Vespa PX125 in 1978.

Each month, we will post up a little history and pop it in our newsletter so you can find out a little more of the history of this iconic brand.

VESPA 50 SPECIAL 1973

VESPA 50 SPECIAL 1973

Marketed since 1969, the Vespa 50 Special was predominantly presented for the youth market with cosmetic changes to the handlebars, the headlamp and the tail light. In 1969, the Vespa 50 Elestart was also launched. It kept the same design as the special, but had an innovative technical adaptation: the electric ignition.

From 1969 to 1973 Piaggio launched one its most famous campaigns: “Who ‘Vespas’ eats apples,” which referred to the success of the Vespa 50 special.

VESPA 125 ET3 1976

Commissioned specifically for the export market, the Vespa ET3 125 had the same features of the Italian ET3, together with the seat, the fan cover and the range of colors.

It was particularly popular in Japan, where it remained on sale until the mid-nineties.

VESPA PRIMAVERA ET3 1976

The Vespa ET3 Primavera was a particular success with 144,000 units produced. The small size of the body, similar to the Vespa 50cc, ensured an agile maneuverability and an excellent road handling.

It was developed in the 70’s for the youth market and included details like a denim saddle.

VESPA RALLY 200 1976

After the great success of the Vespa 180, in 1972 Piaggio developed a model that was powered for the first time by a 200cc engine. The response to this new product was amazing, with people waiting months to take delivery of one. Aesthetically, the Vespa Rally 200 is immediately recognisable by the white graphics on the chassis as well as the housing, and at the time it had the most powerful engine with electronic ignition. Over 41,700 Vespa Rally 200 models where produced from 1972 to 1979.

GIANT VESPA 1977

Representative of the PX Vespa and built for the presentation of the “New Line” in Paris in 1977, it was amended for the launch of the Vespa T5 years later. The giant Vespa was decorated by the artist Stefano Tonelli with urban graffiti; these pictures are on display in the Piaggio museum alongside the model which has now been restored to its original red color.

VESPA 100 SPORT 1978

Deriving from the Vespa 90, the 100 Sport model was developed due to legislation for mopeds in the American market. The rear lights, in particular, are larger. The capacity increase from 90 to 100 cc was achieved by increasing the cylinder bore.

VESPA PX125 1978

Presented at the Milan Show in 1977 as the new Vespa PX 125, this model became a loved by the youth market. The square lines and the larger chassis make the PX instantly recognizable. There was a speedometer on the handlebars, which was completely redesigned and this model was highly innovative due to its updated front suspension with telescopic shock absorber.

You can check out our range of Vespa models by clicking here and for more information on the Vespa 70° Anniversary, click here.