334. “Little Car on 2 Wheels”: VESPA SCOOTERS, 1964

VESPA SCOOTER, Philippine ad, 1964

VESPA SCOOTERS are considered prized classic scooters, what with their sleek, streamlined midcentury design. The Piaggo family of Italy started the business after World War II,  manufacturing their first vehicle in 1946 using spare aircraft parts from Benito Mussolini’s airplanes.

VESPA SCOOTER, Philippine ad, 1964

Piaggio & Co. Inc., the family company,  eventually ventured into scooters to boost mass transportation in the country, naming the line VESPA--Italian for ‘wasp’--as the unique handle bars and the roundish body reminded them of the insect. 

VESPA IN ROMAN HOLIDAY FILM, 1953
Photo: allposters.com

The new VESPA SCOOTER was such a hit in Europe and by 1956, 1 million VESPA units had been sold. In 1964, VESPA SCOOTERS made their first appearance in the Philippines when units wereimported by East Asiatic Co., Ltd. with business offices in Buendia Avenue, Makati. VESPA was distributed nationally by Olympia International Inc. with dealers in Baguio, Angeles, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga and Davao City.

VESPA PHILIPPINE DEALER

Italy’s “little car on two wheels” was perfect for Philippine roads, and rides smoothly with astonishing economy—45 kilometers to a meter. The iconic style icon—VESPA was featured being driven by Audrey Hepburn in her 1953 film, “Roman Holiday”---is still in production today—available through Vespa Philippines Motoitalia, along Ortigas in San Juan.

SOURCES:

History of the Vespa: https://vespapizzeria.com/history-of-the-vespa/

Vespa Philippines: https://www.vespa.com/ph_EN.html