Two wheels, an unmistakable sound, and a design that has captivated people for generations: The Vespa has long since evolved from an everyday Italian scooter into a cult icon. This year, the famous Vespa turns 80. That’s why it will be making a special appearance at the Essen Motor Show. From November 28 through December 6, 2026, visitors to Hall 2 at Messe Essen can discover selected models spanning eight decades of Vespa history. The scooters will be on display as early as Preview Day, November 27. The special exhibition showcases just how much personality can be packed into a two-wheeler—and why, even after 80 years, the Vespa is anything but ordinary.
In 1946, the first Vespa hit the roads of Italy. Its curved body, compact design, and effortless riding experience quickly made it a popular everyday companion. But it didn’t stop there: The Vespa became a fashion statement, conquered the streets of many countries, and developed its own scene. Today, it is collected, restored, modified, and sometimes customized down to the smallest detail. It is precisely this breadth that the special exhibition at the Essen Motor Show highlights.
From the first Vespa to a sporty one-of-a-kind model
A special piece of two-wheeled history is the 1946 Vespa V98. It dates back to the first year of production and illustrates how the brand’s success story began. Its distinctive design language remains instantly recognizable to this day. Just four years younger is the 1950 Hoffmann HA. It evokes the era when the Vespa gained a foothold in Germany as well, and the scooter increasingly shaped the streetscape.
The “Flying Snail” from 1958 has a distinctly sportier look. With its race number 177, silver body, and numerous racing details, it has a character all its own. The Vespa GTS 300 “Vintage” demonstrates that the passion for customization continues to this day. Its eye-catching red look and personalized design make it clear that a Vespa cuts a fine figure even when customized beyond its stock configuration.
It’s not about size, but about the idea
The scooters on display make it clear that customization doesn’t necessarily have to involve wide tires, huge rims, or a ton of horsepower. Sometimes all it takes are two small wheels, a good idea, and a lot of attention to detail. That’s precisely what makes the Vespa scene so appealing: between carefully maintained originals and unconventional custom builds, there’s room for a wide variety of visions of the perfect scooter.
“You can recognize a Vespa immediately, whether it’s 80 years old or has just rolled off the assembly line. At the same time, there are hardly two models that look exactly alike. That’s exactly what I love about this scene: People have their own style and just do their own thing. With this special feature, we’re bringing this diversity to the Essen Motor Show and demonstrating that even small vehicles can generate great enthusiasm,” says Ralf Sawatzki, project manager of the Essen Motor Show.
Nine Days of Festival Vibes in Essen
The Vespa special exhibition is part of the 2026 Essen Motor Show, which—as a festival for all car enthusiasts—once again offers a wide-ranging program centered on performance, racing, tuning, and lifestyle. Over 500 exhibitors from 19 countries will be in attendance. In addition to the latest vehicles and elaborate custom builds, fans of historic automobiles will also find plenty to enjoy.
For more information and tickets, visit the event’s website.
