Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Everything you need to know about the Vespa--the iconic, stylish, and environmentally friendly scooter--is contained in this colorful and engaging volume. Vespa fans will delight in combing the pages of this history of the world's most recognizable scooter. Written in cooperation with the manufacturer, Piaggio, it tells the story of the scooter's origins in postwar Italy, when the rebuilding of the country necessitated an affordable and modern means of transportation for the masses. Italian for "wasp, " the term Vespa caught on quickly, but the scooter achieved international stardom when Audrey Hepburn hopped on Gregory Peck's Vespa in the film Roman Holiday. As a result, a vehicle originally designed as utilitarian came to symbolize style, freedom and romance. The book includes a gatefold listing the Vespa models from 1943 to today along with images of Vespas throughout the decades, including the most iconic designs as well as today's luxury editions. In colorful photographs and text this volume also traces the succession of technological and stylistic improvements that have helped maintain Vespa's status as one of the world's iconic scooter brands.
Synopsis
The Vespa is an Italian icon--and here is the official story of the brand since its legendary creation, more than 70 years ago.
The Vespa is not just any scooter, it is THE scooter, known and loved all over the world. Follow its more-than-70-year history, from its debut in 1946 to signature, custom-made artistic vehicles. This lavishly illustrated volume retraces the Vespa's origins, exploring its most important and influential models (including the 125 Elastico, which met clients' demands for higher performance, and the Elettrica and Elettrica X, both with hybrid motors); the brand's advertising and communications, complete with vintage calendars; and its place in sports, films like Roman Holiday, fashion, and beyond. Engaging anecdotes and images--some never-before published--illustrate the never-ending evolution of a piece of Italy that has conquered all five continents and sold over 18 million vehicles.
Synopsis
The Vespa is an Italian icon--and here is the official story of the brand since its legendary creation, more than 70 years ago. When it was conceived in 1946, the Vespa was met with skepticism because it was not a motorbike but rather a vehicle born from crossing airplane and automobile technology. Nonetheless, it soon became a success as the first two-wheeled economy vehicle in history, perfect for postwar transportation. It was also a unique design object that would be imitated by many and that was destined to become an icon. The Vespa is not just any scooter--it is THE scooter, known and loved all over the world. A rare example of a motor vehicle that has survived crises and trends, it has always stayed true to its original concept. From Piaggio's origins to the first prototypes, through a selection of the models that best represent Vespa's history including races and racing records, movies, excursions, rallies, and the most original artistic and custom models, this book uses compelling facts and images to tell the never-ending story of a piece of Italy that has conquered every continent in the world with nearly 19 million scooters sold.