The Vespa is an Italian icon-and here is the official story of the brand since its legendary creation, more than 70 years ago. When it was conceived in 1946, the Vespa was met with skepticism because it was not a motorbike but rather a vehicle born from crossing airplane and automobile technology. Nonetheless, it soon became a success as the first two-wheeled economy vehicle in history, perfect for postwar transportation. It was also a unique design object that would be imitated by many and that was destined to become an icon. The Vespa is not just any scooter-it is THE scooter, known and loved all over the world. A rare example of a motor vehicle that has survived crises and trends, it has always stayed true to its original concept. From Piaggio's origins to the first prototypes, through a selection of the models that best represent Vespa's history including races and racing records, movies, excursions, rallies, and the most original artistic and custom models, this book uses compelling facts and images to tell the never-ending story of a piece of Italy that has conquered every continent in the world with nearly 19 million scooters sold. AUTHORS: Stefano Cordara has competed in international motorcycle races including the legendary Suzuka 8 Hours. He is the managing editor of RED-live and writes for Gazzetta dello Sport, for which he collaborated on a series of books dedicated to the Ducati motorcycle. He lives in Pavia, Italy. Valerio Boni was a sports reporter for off-road racing and an editor of specialized magazines who reported on product launches. He was a senior editor for Mondadori magazines and is the author of a series of annual publications about international motorcycle racing. He has written books about the history of BMW, Ducati, Gilera, Porsche, and Vespa. Valerio lives in Bergamo, Italy.. SELLING POINTS: . An official book. . Complete information on all records, races, and pilots. . The must-have collection of all models, prototypes, and customized models. . The 70-plus-year-long story of Vespa and its contribution to cultural change through newspapers and magazines. 100 illustrations
