By Thomas Walsh
The Vespa Rally replaced the Super Sport as the top of the line model in the late 1960’s and is regarded as one of the best ever Vespa models offering classic style and modern performance. On offer is a 1975 European market model found in northern Italy that features the larger headlight and various details unique to that edition. This one is in remarkable condition, fully restored mechanically and cosmetically five years ago in Italy and largely stored carefully since. The sidecar is a true piece of machine art fabricated by a local craftsman. The all metal construction includes the sidecar frame, suspended cabin with upholstered seat, hand rail and luggage rack, all built to a fine standard.
DescriptionThe first ever scooter from Piaggio. 98cc engine, only a hundred were ever made... if you have one... i want it!... This one photographed at the Piaggio Vespa Museum in Pontedera Italy. MP standing for MotorPiaggio, Enrico Piaggio called this one the Paperino (Donald Duck the the English). The MP5 was built in 1945, after Enrico decided that he didn't like the style, he set about working with another designer who came up with the MP6.
HistoryTowards the end of the Second World War, Enrico Piaggio was driven to start up production again by the idea of offering the widest possible market a low-cost product. This prototype, designed by the engineer Renzo Spolti and coded MP5 (Moto Piaggio 5), was christened “Paperino”, that is “Donald Duck”, by the workers. But Enrico Piaggio didn’t like it, and passed the job over to Corradino d’Ascanio to review the project and build something different, more advanced both technically and stylistically. Rather than modify the Paperino, d’Ascanio designed a completely new vehicle which was soon to become the Vespa. However, before “evolving” into the Vespa, about one hundred Paperinos were produced, which are today highly prized by collectors the world over.
First Vespa logoFirst prototype name:"MP5" ("Moto Piaggio 5", 1944)First prototype nickname:"Paperino"Second prototype name:"MP6" ("Moto Piaggio 6", 1945)First model name: "Vespa 98" (1946)Category:MotorcyclesSubcategory:ScooterPrototype designers: Renzo Spolti, Vittorio CasiniFirst model designer: Corradino D'AscanioProducer: Piaggio & Co. S.p.A. (founded by Rinaldo Piaggio on January 24, 1884)Prototype made in:1944 - Biella, Piedmont, ItalyProduction start: 1946 - April 23, Pontedera (Pisa), Tuscany, ItalyFirst price: 55,000 ITLPrototype features: The inspiration for the design of the Vespa dates back to Pre-World War II Cushman scooters made in Nebraska, USA. The MP6 prototype was presented in September 1945 to Enrico Piaggio, who exclaimed: «It looks like a wasp [Vespa]!». Property: Piaggio & Co. S.p.A.Official website:Piaggio MP5 ("Paperino"), the first prototype of Vespa scooter (1944)Piaggio MP6, the second prototype of Vespa scooter (1945)Vespa 98, the first model of Vespa scooter (1946)Vespa, figure from Patent (Dec. 27, 1949, filed June 19, 1947) granted to Corradino D'AscanioVespa debut (Acquasanta Golf Club, Rome, March 29, 1946). The picture, taken on March 30, shows Luigi Di Gennaro (holding the handlebars) - dealer Piaggio and famous motorcycle racer, and Piaggio mechanic Guido Galbani (on the left). "Ne courrez plus... roulez Vespa... roulez Vespa" (Don't run more... ride Vespa... ride Vespa)Vespa French poster (1955) by Raymond SavignacCorradino D'Ascanio (Popoli, Feb. 1, 1891 - Pisa, Aug. 6, 1981), the Italian aeronautical engineer who designed the first production helicopter and the first Vespa scooter
jpnn - Skuter listrik stand-up memang tak lagi sekadar alat mobilisasi semata, tetapi sudah menjadi gaya hidup. Desainer dari Bel&Bel meracik Z-Scooter dengan menggabungkan antara skuter Segway dan Vespa nan ikonik. Bel&Bel menyebut, skuter listrik tersebut lahir mengambil inspirasi dari karya Corradino Duscanio yang menciptakan Vespa Paperino 1945. Skuter listrik untuk berkendara santai itu dilengkapi fitur Ninedroid. Baca Juga: Skuter Listrik Dinilai Tidak Relevan Membantu Mobilitas MasyarakatZ-Scooter dapat dibongkar menjadi 2 bagian untuk memudahkan penyimpanannya.
Today on Museum Bites we’re taking a whirlwind tour through Vespa history, courtesy of the Bici & Baci Vespa Museum in Rome. Vespa 125 (1951), Bici & Baci Vespa Museum, Photo by cjverb (2019) Vespa 125 (1951), Bici & Baci Vespa Museum, Photo by cjverb (2019)Vespa sales soared after fans enjoyed watching Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck zip through the streets of Rome. Fun Vespa Fact #1: The Vespa Alpha (1967) made its big screen debut in the movie, Dick Smart, Agent 2.007 (1967). Click on this Vespa Alpha link courtesy of Pianeta Cinema to see Dick Smart and the Vespa 180 Super Sport in action. Mazzocini Racing Vespa Siluro (1951), Wikimedia Commons Vespa Race in San Sebastián, Spain (1959), Photo by Paco Marí, Wikimedia CommonsFun Vespa Fact #2: Piaggio modified the 1970 Vespa 50 to include pedals for their French market.
Pictures of classic bikes wanted Bikez is now publishing specs for pre 1970 motorcycles. We invite our users to upload pictures of classic motorcycles. Search for the bikes you have pictures of and use the link to upload pictures. We also have a discussion group about restoration and valuation of each bike. Vintage and veteran bikes can be sold and bought through our free motorcycle classifieds.
