Vespa unveils 75th anniversary models

Iconic Italian scooter manufacturer Vespa is celebrating its 75th year of operations in 2021, and to mark the occasion it's just announced details of two 'Vespa 75th' models.

The 2021 Vespa 75th Primavera 150 and 2021 Vespa 75th GTS 300 will arrive in Australia from the middle of this year, and will feature an exclusive 'Giallo 75th' metallic yellow paint scheme, a new saddle, and a chrome-plated luggage rack with bag.

The Vespa Primavera is powered by a 155cc single-cylinder engine that produces 12.9hp at 7750rpm and 12.8Nm at 6500rpm, while the Vespa GTS is powered by a 278cc single-cylinder engine good for 23.8hp at 8250rpm and 26Nm at 5250rpm.

The special-edition models feature a number 75 on the side panels and front mudguard in a slightly darker 'Giallo Pirite' shade, which also features on the models' front 'tie', below the headlight.

The two-tone nubuck leather seat has a 'Grigio Fumo' grey top section, tying it in visually with the grey wheels, while the design aesthetic is further complemented with a number of chrome items, including the luggage rack, the badge on the front mudguard, the instrument cluster surround, the muffler cover, the mirrors and (on the GTS only) the foldaway pillion footpegs.

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The luggage rack accepts a distinctive round nubuck leather bag, which replicates a spare wheel holder. This waterproof bag is included as standard, and also features a quick-release mechanism and a shoulder carry strap.

They may be heritage-themed special editions, but both models come with Vespa's top-of-the-line 4.3-inch colour TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing the rider to pair with the scooter via the Vespa MIA app.

These special-edition anniversary models come with a series identification plate behind the leg shield and are both capped off by a Welcome Kit comprising a vintage steel Vespa plate, an Owner's Book and eight collector postcards.

Pricing for the 2021 Vespa 75th Primavera 150 and 2021 Vespa 75th GTS 300 will be announced closer to the models' on-sale date in mid-2021.

Vespa's first patent was filed on April 23, 1946, and the company has produced nearly 19 million vehicles in the 75 years since.

Some 1,800,000 scooters have been produced in just the last decade, with models now being built across three facilities: Pontedera, Italy; Vinh Phuc, Vietnam; and Baramati, India. Models for Europe and other Western markets are all built in Pontedera.

"The first truly global mobility brand, Vespa has become a common thread between generations, used by all different groups in society, creating various cultural phenomena particular to the different settings in which it has found itself, to the point of becoming a protagonist and a distinctive trait," says Vespa.

"It has steered habits, music and youth, and has accompanied countries and continents as they have grown, racing alongside them in times of economic boom."