The museum entrance features a 1937 Piaggio
stainless steel railcar.
Vespas everywhere.
The prototype was nicknamed “Paperino”
(Donald Duck) because of its strange shape, but Enrico Piaggio did not
like it and only about one hundred were constructed.
Redesigned by Corradino D’Ascanio this was the
first Vespa, so named because when Enrico Piaggio saw the narrow waisted
prototype he said “It looks like a wasp!” and the name stuck.
This is an entry for the 2001 “Vesparte”
contest.
Another entry for the “Vesparte”
contest, “Mucca Pazza” (“Crazy Cow”)
Vespa also manufactured sidecars simply attached
to the scooter by one single connecting arm.
The Piaggio Ape (Italian for bee) is a light commercial
vehicle built first in 1948. It consists of a Vespa scooter fitted with
a rear axle. In 1964 a drivers cab was added.
1956 Ape AC Calessino. Recently the company
has produced a limited edition replica of this machine.
1960 Pentarò (5 wheeler) fire engine.
It was in use until 2002.
Probably the world’s most valuable Vespa.
Decorated by Salvador Dalì complete with his signature and the name of his partner Gala. It's in a glass case and bolted down !
Decorated by Salvador Dalì complete with his signature and the name of his partner Gala. It's in a glass case and bolted down !
The Vespa 150 T.A.P. used by the French army
was designed to be parachuted into action. It was fitted with a 75mm recoilless
cannon.
One very large Vespa.
Created by the sculptor Mino Trafeli this
is the “Mythological Vespa”
Piaggio also turned their hand to record attempts
and in 1950 on the Montlhery circuit this Vespa ran continuously for 10
hours and set 17 world records.
1951 P148/149 training aircraft