More Than 10,000 Vespas Swarm Rome for Scooter's 80th Anniversary
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 27
More Than 10,000 Vespas Swarm Rome for Scooter's 80th Anniversary
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 27
Summary
More than 10,000 Vespas rolled through Rome’s historic center on Saturday, circling landmarks including the Colosseum and Roman Forum for the scooter’s 80th-anniversary celebration.
Riders came from across Europe, the United States, Australia and Asia, turning the city into a multiday gathering that began Thursday with rallies, club banners and rows of vintage and modern scooters.
Piaggio says it has sold about 20 million Vespas since 1946 and now operates in 110 countries, underscoring how a postwar Italian runabout became a global lifestyle brand.
The Vespa’s enduring appeal still draws on its Roman Holiday-era image, its step-through design originally aimed in part at women and priests, and its reputation as a lighter, simpler alternative to larger motorcycles.