Vespa

The Vespa, is an economical, two wheeled, motorized vehicle that debuted in Italy in 1946. Since that time the scooter has evolved, but not changed dramatically from its origin.http://www.vespausa.com

The Vespa was used in movies like Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The scooter was sold in America from the 60's into the late 70's but was not available during the late 80's and 90's due to emissions regulations. However, it was reintroduced to the United States in 2000. Since that time the Vespa PX has emerged as the company's historically best selling model at over two million sold.http://www.vespausa.com/about.php?section=Story Depending upon the model, in the U.S., new Vespas range from just over $3,000 to almost $7,000.http://www.vespausa.com/scooters.php#/home/Vespa%20S%2050%204V

The Vespa's original designer was no fan of motorcycles, which were, in his opinion, too dirty and difficult to ride. So, when Corradino D'Ascanio came up with the first design concepts for the scooter, he decided it would provide protection from the elements, be easy to repair (or fix a flat), and comfortable to ride. He put the gears on the handlebars and made sure the tires were smaller. Instead of a fork (like a bicycle or motorcycle), he created an 'L' shaped arm, thanks to his aviation days, as the connection for the tire to the chassis.http://www.vespausa.com/about.php?section=Story

• November 1953: 500,000
• June 1956: 1 Million
• 1960: 2 Million
• 1970: 4 million
• 1988: 10 Million
• 2010: 16 Million (and counting)