That’s Amore: Thousands Rally In Rome On Two Wheels For Vespa’s 80th Anniversary

To celebrate Vespa’s 80th anniversary, an estimated 25,000 Vespa owners, known as Vespisti, from 67 countries gathered in Rome for a massive rally. The event showcased a wide range of Vespa models, including the rare Vespa 98, which was the first-ever Vespa production model featuring a two-stroke single cylinder 98 cc engine that debuted in 1946.

The riders paraded through Rome’s streets, passing by iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, and Altare della Patria, before concluding at the ‘Vespa Village’ at Foro Italico. The four-day celebration attracted over 50,000 visitors and included music, shopping, and street food.

Vespa has been a significant part of Italian culture since its inception post-World War II, with its ‘staccato exhaust racket’ becoming a familiar sound in the country. The company’s first prototype, the MP6, featured the iconic ‘wasp-like’ design that earned it the Vespa name.

Over the years, Vespa has evolved with the times, ditching its two-stroke engines for four-strokes, and has sold over 19 million units worldwide. The brand’s timeless design has remained a staple of its appeal, with its scooters becoming an integral part of Italian mobility and culture.