Not as flashy as modern scooters, but vintage Vespas still attract users with their classic beauty, simplicity, and a touch of sophistication. The trend of playing with vintage Vespas is attracting many participants.
Impressive vintage scooters
The Vespa Day 2022 event, held in Hanoi on April 24, brought together a series of vintage Vespas, including many rare models that fascinated the audience.
One of the most attention-grabbing was the A.C.M.A, produced in 1954. Due to the A.C.M.A logo on the scooter, it is called by that name in Vietnam. It is one of the oldest vintage Vespas in Vietnam and the very first Vespa model to be imported into the country.
The Vespa VB1, produced in 1957, was only sold by Piaggio for 2 years (1957-1958), making it one of the rarest models. Collectors around the world seek this model for their collections. The Vespa Standard VBB2, produced in 1960, was a series produced by Piaggio from 1958 to 1967 before officially concluding.
Rare vintage scooters always attract a lot of attention.
The Vespa Sprint 09 Autolube, produced in 1965, is a special version of the Sprint series with a unique engine number 09. It is one of the most beautiful models from Piaggio. The Vespa Rally 180cc, produced in 1970, was inspired by the Vespa Sprint 1966 and introduced several aesthetic changes to the handlebars, storage compartments, and seat of the scooter.
The Vespa Rally 180 is considered one of the most functional and beautiful scooters. It was produced from 1968 to 1973, with a total of 26,000 units manufactured.
Vespa, which means “wasp” in Italian, was first produced by Piaggio in 1946. However, it was not until 1953 that the first Vespas appeared in Vietnam. At that time, Vespas were considered iconic vehicles favored by the middle and upper classes. Some Vespas had a value equivalent to half the price of a street-front house in Saigon.
People often see images of well-dressed men or stylish women riding Vespas on the streets.
In recent years, the trend of playing with vintage Vespas has been attracting many people, especially the younger generation.
In recent years, the trend of playing with vintage Vespas has been attracting many people, especially the younger generation. Not as flashy as modern scooters, vintage Vespas still have their appeal. The classic beauty of these scooters adds to their attractiveness. With their distinctive and meticulously crafted designs, as well as a wide range of models to choose from, vintage Vespas have left a lasting impression on enthusiasts.
The sound of a Vespa is also what fascinates many riders. The sound of the scooter’s engine is like a person’s voice. It needs to be warm and sweet to be truly perfect, according to Hoang Anh, a Vespa enthusiast in Hanoi.
A passion
Vintage Vespa enthusiasts invest a lot of time and effort into their hobby. They search for unique accessories to create a distinct and artistic value for their scooters. This part of the process requires meticulous work and genuine passion. Each time they find a suitable accessory for their scooter, it’s like an achievement that brings excitement.
It takes a lot of time and effort to work on vintage scooters, but it’s the passion of many people.
In addition to the time and effort, taking care of vintage Vespa scooters is also a source of joy for enthusiasts. Most vintage Vespas require refurbishment, including repairing the frame, recreating the original form, welding, and repainting. The engine also needs multiple repairs to ensure stable performance and maintain the unique sound.
Furthermore, owners must have knowledge about their scooters, such as the right amount of lubricant and the type of gasoline for smooth operation, the appropriate time to check the spark plug, troubleshooting scenarios, among others.
The classic beauty of vintage Vespas is attractive to many people.
When everything is in order, it’s time to hit the road with your Vespa. “A hundred words are not as impressive as the exhaust sound of a Sprint,” said an enthusiast referring to the vintage Vespa Sprint model produced in the 1960s. Sprint means “King of Speed” in English, reflecting the powerful engine and maximum speed the scooter had at that time.
Riding a vintage Vespa on a beautiful road, under blue skies and white clouds, with a gentle breeze, provides a romantic and free-spirited feeling. The classic beauty, accompanied by the distinctive “pach pach pach…” sound, creates an exhilarating experience and showcases individuality.
Vintage Vespa clubs have emerged all over the country, bringing together enthusiasts to share their passion. Many have traveled across Vietnam and the Indochinese region, impressing onlookers along the way.
Vintage Vespa enthusiasts across the country were once captivated by a Vespa model with the most signatures. This model was produced in 1959 and has remained 100% original, despite being 60 years old. It broke the record for collecting the most signatures from nearly 800 journalists and reporters nationwide during a cross-country trip. The value of this model is estimated at around 1 billion VND.