Vespas - History by model

Year : 1946
Model : 98

The 'mottolegara utilitaria Vespa' or light motorised runabout (translation) was presented to the public for the first time in April 1946 at the Rome golf club. The leg shield sported the new Piaggio logo, which replaced the former aeronautical emblem. The first fifty models were produced at Pontederas factory at the same time of the official presentation. For the first 3-4 months the Vespa was marketed under Lancia, an italian car brand, and a grand total of 2,844 were produced in the first year of its life.

Engine: Two Stroke cylinder engine. Horizontal cast iron cylinder with press fit light alloy head
Bore : 50mm
Stroke: 50mm
Displacement: 98cc (0.1l)
Top Speed: 60kmh (40mph)
Suspension: Elastic, with spiral steel springs on the front wheel & rubber buffers on the rear wheel
Brakes: Drums
Tyres: 3.50-8"




Year: 1953
Model: Vespa 125U


Description: Only 7,000 of the Vespa U were produced thus being the most sort after collectors item. It was launched in 1953 as an economy model with the 'U' standing for utility with its price to the public being 100,000 lire was cheaper than its main Lambretta rival. For the first time, a Vespa aimed at the Italian market mounted the headlight on the handlebars rather than on the front mudguard.


Engine: Two-stroke single cylinder engine with deflector piston
Bore: 56.5mm
Stroke: 49.8mm
Displacement: 124.85cc
Maximum Speed: 40.38mph
Suspension: Helicodial spring on the front wheel, hydraulic shock-absorber with helicoidal spring in the rear wheel
Brakes: drums
Tyres: 3.50-8"



Year: 1963
Model: Vespa 50



This was the most popular Vesta with the young. Brilliant and easy handled, with attractive, exclusive styling that derives from the line of the larger models. Ever since it's first appearance on the market in 1963, it is advertised by Piaggio as "young, modern and without documents" With the 1963 rules of the road, no number plate or licence were even required by 14 year olds.
The engine is completely new, with the cylinder positioned at a 45 degree angle and no longer horizontal. The last scooter to be designed by Corradino D'Ascanio the '50' is a milestone in the history of Vespa. Since 1964 3 million have been built.


Engine: 2 stroke cylinder
Bore: 38mm
Stroke: 43mm
Displacement: 49cc
Top Speed; 40kmh
Suspension: Rubber elements at the front, coil spring and shock absorber at the rear
Brakes: Drums
Tyres: 2.75-9"




Year: 1977
Model: P125X

The Vespa P125X was presented at the Milan Motorcycle Exhibition as the Vespa "Nuova Linea' (translated as New Line) Like the PE200 THE P125X is the result of a successful and innovative restyling which takes it into the 80's and makes a break from earlier models. The Vespa P125X immediately becomes an object of desire for the young capably competing with the strongly demanded 125 models. The storage is better and the saddle more comfortable. The handlebars are restyled and speedometer visible at night.