Piaggio is celebrating 80 years of its most iconic brand, Vespa, this summer, marking the occasion with this special limited-edition GTS310 Edizione Ottantesimo (80 th Edition) scooter.
The special Vespa was launched during a four-day extravaganza in Rome , where more than 50,000 visitors celebrated with a massive party.
More than 25,000 Vespas from around the world rode through the Eternal City in a huge parade, while music, exhibitions, bike shows and live entertainment took place in the Vespa Village at the Foro Italico sports stadium on the slopes of Monte Mario.
The 80 th Edition machine is based on the firm’s flagship bike – the GTS310 , powered by a 25bhp single-cylinder four-stroke engine, the most powerful ever seen on a production Vespa. It’s packed with luxury tech, including keyless ignition, a five-inch colour LCD dash, full LED lighting, traction control and ABS.
It’s the styling of the special scoot that really appeals, though. The paint job pays homage to the post-war era, with a practical matt metallic light grey base and military green highlights that match the utilitarian Vespas launched to get Italians moving after WW2.
The bodywork is all-steel, as on the original, and the cast multispoke wheels are also designed to echo the pressed-steel rims of the 1940s.
A dual seat in matching green includes a pillion cover to give a sporty ‘monoposto’ look.
The limited-edition styling is completed with special ‘80’ graphics and a numbered plaque. Riders also receive a one-off open-face lid, painted to match the bike.
Only 1,946 bikes are being built and will cost £12,115, including the helmet. More information and orders at www.vespa.com .
There’s nothing like a party! And this summer seems to be full of them, whether it’s this big Vespa Bash or Ducati’s 100 year celebration at World Ducati Week.
MCN Photojournalist and road tester - Over 30 years experience, having ridden most bikes from a Honda V5 MotoGP bike to electric commuters, and everything in between. Known to spin a spanner from time to time as well, he currently has a turbo charged Kawasaki ZRX1100 with full Öhlins shock and carbon wheels on the bench.
A 30-year veteran freelancer who started writing about motorbikes on the MCN news desk back in 1997.