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Vespa 1957-1961 - more than just scooters

Name: Vespa GT 1961
Brand: Vespa

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Created in 2015

Text:

Roger Gloor

Photos:

Archiv Automobil Revue

Darin Schnabel - Courtesy RM Auctions 2012

Archiv Automobil Revue

Darin Schnabel - Courtesy RM Auctions 2012

Vespa 400 from 1961 (2-cyl. rear engine, two-stroke, air-cooled, 394 cm3, 14 hp) - 1957-1961

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Vespa 400 (1957) - offered at the auction of the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum by RM Auction on February 15 and 16, 2013

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Summary

There were around 10,000 car brands and designers - most of them have disappeared. Among them is the Italian scooter brand Vespa. But as early as 1952, Vespa manufacturers were working on a counterpart to the booming Fiat Topolino. In 1957, the Vespa 400 went into production for the first time. Even though the Vespa 400 proved itself time and again in rallies, the number of units produced continued to decline until the brand finally ceased production.

Estimated reading time: 3min

Preview (beginning of the article)

The urge for mobility, even beyond the borders that were reopened in 1945, helped Italy's Vespa and Lambretta scooters to achieve unprecedented popularity throughout Europe. The wave of scooters was accompanied by the German-influenced flood of cabin scooters, while in Italy the Fiat 500 Topolino dominated the small car scene. From 1952, the Vespa manufacturer Piaggio SpA worked intensively on a Topolino counterpart. Because the Fiat 600 replaced the "Topi" in 1955 and the Nuova 500 was planned, Piaggio only saw opportunities for its own small cars in France. In 1957, the Vespa 400 went into production at the subsidiary ACMA in Fourchambault near Nevers. A daily quota of 100, later 200 units was planned.

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