Brought to you by Davide Marelli | 10th July 2018
When thinking of Italy, what symbols come to mind? Iconic landmarks? World renowned cuisine? Or perhaps the Vespa? This week our motorcycles & mopeds expert brings you a fantastic find from our Vespa, Lambretta & Classic Scooter auction ending 17th July: a 1947 98cc Vespa - the first model of the era. Read on to learn more about this early moped and the impact it had on Italian history.
The Vespa
In 1946, the first Vespa left the Piaggio factory in Pontedera. Born of this first model, the one we have up for auction on Catawiki, is a 98cc from 1947. It has been completely, professionally restored using Piaggio parts and is presented with a very complete photo book to document every phase of the work. According to Davide Marelli, motorcycles & mopeds expert, it's not the very first Vespa ever produced, but it is a good example of the 98cc Vespa: the first model of the era.
It was both the First and Second World Wars which brought the Vespa to life. The Genoa Piaggio factor founded in 1884 was repurposed from manufacturing railway carriages to manufacturing aircraft during the First World War. Two more factories were opened, one in Pisa and the other in Pontedera, which were also focused on aeronautic manufacturing through the end of WWII, when all factories were razed.
Mobilising Italy
Once the factories were reconstructed, Italy needed to become mobile again. This task was given to Corradino D’Ascanio, considered the father of the most famous scooter in the world. Using his background as an aeronautical engineer, D'Ascanio designed the Vespa.
The 1947 98 cc Vespa in our auction before and after restoration
Italy was still under the rubble from WWII, but families found the solution to mobility in this handy scooter. It became the only motorised vehicle of many Italian households. Easy and practical, steel bodywork and 2-stroke engine with forced air-cooling: the first Vespa set out rules for what has become the technical and stylistic design masterpiece on the road for over 70 years.
Some details of the 1947 98cc Vespa
You'll find more information and images of this 1947 98cc Vespa and its restoration on our Vespa, Lambretta & Classic Scooter auction. Don't forget to check out our other weekly Motorcycle auctions to discover more fantastic finds.
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