Piaggio, the parent company behind Vespa, was founded in Genoa in 1884 by the young Rinaldo Piaggio (20 years old) and began building naval furniture, railway carriages, engines, trams and truck bodies. With the First World War, it would enter the aeronautical sector and in the years before the Second World War it was already one of the largest Italian aircraft manufacturers and therefore, the Piaggio plants in Genoa, Finale Ligure and Pontedera were military targets and They were destroyed during the conflict.
After his death, Enrico and Armando, his sons, would take the reins; the first as in charge of rebuilding the Pontedera plant, betting on an industrial reconversion that would lead them to focus on individual mobility in post-war Italy…. With him would arrive Vespa.
Thus, this 2024, Piaggio turns 140 years old and to celebrate such a milestone, the Piaggio Styling Center has created an exclusive Vespa model that points directly to the hearts of the brand’s fans and its collectors.
This is a unique Vespa 140, limited to 140 units that will go on sale only during the Vespa World Days, which this year are being held in Pontedera (Piaggio’s parent company) from April 18 to 21. The event will bring together thousands of vespistas and motorcycle clubs of the model from 66 countries.
Created on the basis of the Vespa GTV, the exclusive Vespa 140 is aesthetically characterized by its blue and light blue colors on a white body, the institutional colors of the Piaggio Group, which play with the classic graphics and the new Vespa monogram and thus the anniversary logo. The combination seeks to enhance the classic tie on the front shield (the watchword of every Vespa), designed with triple air intakes on both sides and central grilles. The front fairing follows the sportier spirit that inspires the GTV.
The single-seater seat is also blue, with double stitching (tone on tone) and in strong contrast to give it more character. To give more emphasis to its sporty soul, a white cover arrives with the unit, if the owner wants. The rims with light blue details are also blue, exclusive for this Vespa 140, and the aesthetics are completed with the black finishes on the body profiles, the mirrors, the silencer and the folding passenger footrests.
The Piaggio Vespa 140 is powered by a 300 cc single-cylinder (high-performance engine) with liquid cooling and electronic injection to deliver almost 24 HP of power. It is the highest performing engine ever fitted to a Vespa. Like the GTV, the headlights are all LED, including the characteristic low headlight, while the instrumentation maintains the elegant circular shape, but is now completely digital, to be able to take advantage of the features offered by the Vespa MIA connectivity system, available, yes, this time as an accessory. Keyless start system, ASR electronic traction control and ABS as standard complete the package.
The Vespa 140 by Piaggio arrives, as always in these cases (remember, for example, the Vespa 946 by Dior or the latest Vespa Dragon), accompanied by a range of highly stylish accessories, including a large leather rear bag. Top quality with engraved Vespa logo and smooth leather reinforcement on the bottom and on the handles. Some of the accessories that increase the riding comfort and functionality of the Vespa are front and rear luggage racks, a large methacrylate screen and protective bumpers.