The Autoworld Museum in Brussels is a magnificent place to be when you’re in the business of bikes – and this year is no different.
Until August 15th, visitors attending the Autoworld Museum will have viewing access to 75 Vespa models – a gift from the museum to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Vespa.
The Italian company has shown great success over the years, from the founding of the business in April 1946 by Piaggio & Co., to the name the company made for itself with the release of action films such as “Roman Holiday” (1953) and “La Dolce Vita.”
(1960).
The Vespa fleet promises to be diverse, including models from Belgium, France, Germany, Britain, Italy, the Americas, and Spain. “All models from all eras” is what the Autoworld Museum’s website brags – and they mean it.
On top of the Vespa 946, Vespa Elettrica, and limited edition Vespa 75th, the exhibit will also include the MP6, alongside the highly popular ‘faro basso’ model, a few of the first sidecar editions, and the three-wheeled light commercial models APE and TriVespa.
Flanking these will be the more powerful Vespa models, labeled 150 GS ‘Vespone,’ a rally version of the same, and a CMA Vespa TAP 150cc military edition.
The exhibit will also show a ‘U’ model – ‘U’ meaning ‘Utility. These scooters were the more budget-friendly scooter line back in the day, though the trademark lines and thin neck have long since made the ‘U’ models the most expensive scooters available on the antique market.
Having been “born out of the desire to create an innovative product for individual mobility,” it’s no wonder that the popularity of the Vespa scooter carries its legacy strong into the 21st century.