Centauria 1:18 - Model motorcycle (53) - Piaggio Vespa –...

Complete Vespa Collection “What a Passion!” – 53 Piaggio Vespa models in 1:18 scale – Centauria, 2018–2019 Lotto presentation We offer a complete collection consisting of 53 display models dedicated to the history of Vespa Piaggio, belonging to the editorial series “Vespa what a passion!”, published by Centauria between 2018 and 2019. The collection represents a journey through over seventy years of the Italian scooter’s history, the world’s most famous. From the first experimental prototypes of the 1940s to modern versions of the 21st century, passing through sporty models, special series, productions licensed abroad, and some particularly unusual examples. Vespa was born in 1946 in Pontedera, in a Italy engaged in reconstruction after World War II. The project, developed by Corradino D’Ascanio at the request of Enrico Piaggio, introduces a new concept of individual mobility: a practical, accessible, elegant vehicle that is easy to use. Over the decades, Vespa becomes much more than a means of transport. It accompanies the transformation of Italian society, enters cinema, fashion, advertising and youth culture, gradually establishing itself as one of the international symbols of Made in Italy design. The Centauria collection was created precisely to tell this evolution through miniature reproductions of the most representative models. Collection features * Editorial series: Vespa che passione! * Publisher: Centauria * Publication period: August 2018 – August 2019 * Model scale: 1:18 * Number of models: 53 * Materials: predominantly die-cast metal and plastic components * Type: static collectible display models * Subject: Vespa Piaggio and historically connected models * Presentation: display bases with identifying plaques The original editorial plan included 54 issues, but the physical collection consists of 53 models: the Sidecar model was distributed across two successive issues to form a single complete exemplar. The proposed collection therefore brings together all 53 subjects planned, with no duplicates. Particularly interesting is the historical variety of the represented models. Alongside the best-known Vespas, such as the 98, the 125 Primavera, the 50 Special and the PX, there are variants tied to racing, overseas production, military applications and the development of experimental technologies. This is not merely a selection of miniatures, but a collection that allows, in miniature, to observe the stylistic and technical evolution of Vespa from its origins to the contemporary era. ⸻ THE LOT INCLUDES Complete list of the 53 models and historical description 1. Vespa 946 “Bellissima” – 2014 The Vespa 946 represents one of the most refined modern reinterpretations of the original 1946 project. Its name pays homage to Vespa’s birth year, while the design recalls the essential lines of the first prototypes made in Pontedera. The “Bellissima” version expresses the most exclusive character of this family, in which the historic design language is reinterpreted through contemporary materials, proportions and finishes. It is an important model because it shows how Vespa managed to preserve its identity even when transformed into a high-end design object. 2. Vespa LXV – 2014 The LXV is a retro-inspired version that reclaims several characteristic elements of scooters from the 1950s and 1960s. The line of the bodywork, the exposed handlebars and the particular treatment of the seat evoke classic Vespa models, while belonging to a generation equipped with modern technical solutions. The LXV marks a significant step in the brand’s history: the aesthetic heritage of vintage Vespas is recovered not to make a simple replica, but to create a contemporary model recognizable and strongly connected to tradition. 3. Vespa Primavera 150 – 2014 The modern Primavera reclaims the name of one of Piaggio’s most beloved models, originally introduced in the late 1960s. The 2014 version preserves the idea of a light, compact scooter suited to urban mobility, reinterpreted with updated bodywork, new construction solutions and a 150 cm³ engine. This miniature is especially meaningful because it allows a conceptual comparison between the historic Primavera and its contemporary descendant, highlighting the continuity of a style that has spanned generations. 4. Vespa Sprint 150 ABS – 2014 The Sprint 150 ABS reuses a historic name associated with Vespa’s more dynamic and sporty character. The modern version introduces compact lines, stronger aesthetic details and a design aimed at urban riding, while preserving the fundamental elements of Vespa identity. The presence of ABS in the original model testifies to the evolution of active safety and technologies applied to modern scooters. In the collection it represents the link between the Sixties Sprint and Piaggio’s contemporary interpretation of sportiness. 5. Vespa GTS 300 i.e. – 2017 The GTS 300 belongs to the family of larger-displacement modern Vespa, developed to combine traditional style with superior performance and comfort. Its design sits within the evolution of Grand Tourer concepts, characterized by a larger frame, modern mechanicals and a vocation suitable even for suburban travel. The 2017 model documents a phase where Vespa, while maintaining its unmistakable steel body, incorporates electronic systems and increasingly advanced technical solutions. 6. Vespa 150 Super – 1965 The Vespa 150 Super belongs to Piaggio production from the mid-1960s, a period when the Italian scooter was established both in the domestic market and in many foreign countries. The model embodies a Vespa concept founded on reliability, mechanical simplicity and elegance. Rounded forms and the proportions of the body preserve the character of classic models, while the 150 cm³ displacement met the needs of more versatile mobility. It is a testament to Vespa’s evolution as a daily transport means during the boom years. 7. Vespa 125 Primavera – 1968 The Vespa 125 Primavera is one of the most representative models of Italian youth culture in the 1960s. Introduced at the end of the decade, it stands out for its compact size, maneuverability and a brighter character than versions intended solely for daily commuting. Primavera quickly became a symbol of independence and personal freedom, especially among young people. The 1968 exemplar documents the early phase of this successful family and is one of the fundamental references in Vespa history. 8. Vespa 125 Primavera ET3 – 1976 The Primavera ET3 is one of the best-known evolutions of the original Primavera. ET3 stands for electronic ignition and the adoption of a three-ported engine, features that helped distinguish this model from earlier versions. The success of the ET3 lies in the combination of performance, compactness and ease of use. Its sporty setup, while preserving the traditional body, made it particularly desirable. Even today the Primavera ET3 holds an important place in Vespa collecting and in the culture of classic scooters. 9. Vespa 200 Rally – 1972 The 200 Rally is one of the best-known sporty Vespa models of the Seventies. With a 200 cm³ displacement, Piaggio expanded the scooter’s capabilities, offering higher performance and better suitability for long trips. The Rally also stands out for its aesthetic identity, with graphics and details that emphasize its sporty character. The 1972 model marks an important moment in the history of the range, when Vespa showed it could be not only a practical urban vehicle but also a bright scooter suited to touring. 10. Vespa 150 GS – 1955 The Vespa 150 GS, where GS stands for Gran Sport, is a fundamental milestone in Piaggio’s sport evolution. Presented in 1955, it introduced a more performance-oriented setup, accompanied by an elegant aesthetic and numerous technical solutions aimed at more dynamic riding. The model features balanced proportions, a particularly harmonious line and a strong sports identity. The 150 GS remains one of the most appreciated historic Vespa models, not only for its mechanical features but also for its role in establishing the scooter as an object of desire. 11. Vespa 125 – 1953 The Vespa 125 of 1953 belongs to the first generation of models that consolidated Piaggio’s postwar success. Compared to the original Vespa 98, the 125 versions represented an important development in terms of practicality, performance and commercial diffusion. The rounded bodywork and essential construction reflect a period when the scooter was mainly a mobility tool. This miniature documents the period in which Vespa began to transform from an Italian industrial innovation into a phenomenon known beyond national borders. 12. Vespa P 150 X – 1978 The P 150 X belongs to the PX family, one of the longest-lived and most recognizable in Vespa history. In the late 1970s Piaggio introduced a renewed line, with a squarer body, new proportions and a modern image compared to earlier models. The PX managed to reconcile the traditional Vespa concept with the needs of a new generation of users. The 1978 P 150 X marks the start of a fundamental chapter, destined to continue for decades and become a reference for enthusiasts and restorers. 13. Vespa 90 SS – 1965 The 90 SS, short for Super Sprint, is one of the most distinctive sporty models associated with Vespa production in the sixties. Its appearance differs clearly from ordinary versions thanks to the spare wheel position, compact proportions and the central storage compartment in the middle area. These elements give it an immediately recognizable sporty footprint. The 90 SS is particularly interesting for collectors because it represents one of the most original interpretations of the small Vespa chassis. 14. Vespa Hoffmann Königin – 1954 The Hoffmann Königin is one of the most interesting international variants in Vespa history. In the 1950s license production in Germany was entrusted to Hoffmann-Werke, which developed models for the German market. The name “Königin,” meaning “queen,” identifies a version with particular characteristics, tied to Hoffmann’s last production phase. This model shows how Vespa’s success fostered the birth of local productions capable of reinterpreting the Italian approach to suit different tastes and needs. 15. Vespa 98 Corsa – 1947 The Vespa 98 Corsa represents the racing dimension of early Vespa. In the early years after the scooter’s birth, Piaggio also used racing to demonstrate the technical potential of its project. Racing versions differed from production models in more specialized setups and performance-focused modifications. The 98 Corsa of 1947 belongs to this pioneering phase and is a valuable testimony to Piaggio’s attention to experimentation and sport from the very beginning. 16. Vespa 150 Sidecar – 1955 The Vespa with Sidecar is one of the most peculiar items in the entire collection. The combination of the scooter with a sidecar was designed to increase payload capacity, making the vehicle usable for family transport and small services. Sidecar versions appeared in the early years of Vespa’s diffusion and helped demonstrate the project’s versatility. The 1955 exemplar preserves the charm of three-wheeled configurations, different from standard Vespa in layout and footprint. Note on the collection: this model was distributed across two editorial issues, but constitutes a single complete model. For this reason the collection counts 54 issues and 53 physical models. 17. Vespa 150 PX – 1998 The 150 PX of 1998 documents the extraordinary longevity of the PX project. Nearly twenty years after the family’s introduction, Vespa continued to offer a instantly recognizable body, preserving many of the tradition’s features. PX’s success is tied to robustness, mechanical simplicity and strong design recognizability. This late-1990s version allows us to observe the continuity between classic production and the era in which Piaggio was introducing new scooter generations. 18. Vespa 98 – 1946 The Vespa 98 of 1946 is the model from which the Piaggio scooter production history begins. Born in the context of postwar Italian reconstruction, it represented an innovative solution for individual mobility. Corradino D’Ascanio’s project featured a load-bearing body, an original mechanical layout and a configuration designed to facilitate daily use. The 98 was the starting point of a industrial and cultural success destined to develop worldwide. Within the collection it is one of the most historically significant models. 19. Vespa Sei Giorni – 2017 The Vespa Sei Giorni of 2017 is a contemporary reinterpretation of Piaggio’s sporting tradition. The model pays homage to the feats carried out by Vespa in endurance-racing competitions of the early 1950s, in particular the famous International Six Days Enduro of 1951. The modern setup recalls the aesthetic language of racing Vespa, combining it with the technology of contemporary larger-displacement versions. This miniature takes on particular meaning because it directly links two distant eras, demonstrating continuity between sporting history and the brand’s identity. 20. Vespa 50 L – 1966 The Vespa 50 L belongs to the successful family of small Vespas developed for a young audience. The letter L identifies the “Lusso” (Luxury) setup, with greater attention to details and finishes than the plainer versions. The small displacement made these scooters particularly suited to urban travel and contributed to their enormous diffusion in the 1960s. The 50 L represents the period when Vespa became a symbol of personal autonomy for young people, pairing practicality with a fashion and leisure-oriented image. 21. Vespa 125 GTR – 1971 The Vespa 125 GTR is an evolution of the Grand Turismo family, developed to offer a balance between comfort, performance and daily use. The model fits into early-1970s production, when Piaggio continued updating mid-displacement Vespas while keeping a strong link to classic lines. The GTR is representative of a mature design phase: a scooter sufficiently bright for extra-urban travel, yet still easy to manage and recognizable in appearance. 22. Vespa 125 Sei Giorni – 1951/1952 The historic Vespa Sei Giorni is tied to one of Piaggio’s most famous sporting episodes. In 1951 Vespas took part successfully in the International Six Days Enduro, a demanding endurance competition for machines and riders. The results helped to consolidate the brand’s reliability and demonstrated the scooter’s potential in conditions far from city use. The miniature reproduces this important sporting family. The model plaque shows 1952, while the editorial plan indicates 1951, the year of the famous racing achievement. 23. Vespa 125 ET4 – 1996 The Vespa ET4 was introduced in 1996, the year of Vespa’s fiftieth anniversary. Its arrival marked an important technological leap: the new ET family adopted an updated design and, in the ET4 version, a four-stroke engine. The bodywork preserved the Vespa stylistic language, yet presented more modern proportions and solutions. ET4 demonstrates Piaggio’s ability to deeply renew its range without renouncing the aesthetic elements that made the scooter famous worldwide. 24. Vespa 125 Circuito – 1950 The Vespa 125 Circuito belongs to Piaggio’s experimental sport versions developed in the early postwar period. During this time Pontedera participated in competitions and speed trials to demonstrate the mechanical possibilities offered by its engineering. Circuit Vespa models differed from production versions in their race-oriented setup and performance-focused modifications. The 1950 model documents a particularly fascinating phase, in which a scooter designed for daily mobility was transformed into a competition vehicle. 25. Vespa 200 E – 1978 The Vespa 200 E is one of the larger-displacement variants of the new family introduced at the end of the 1970s. With this generation Piaggio consolidated the shift toward a more modern design, while preserving the monocoque frame and the core traits of the classic Vespa. The 200 cm³ displacement met the needs of users seeking higher performance and more versatility on routes. The 1978 model marks an important moment of technical and stylistic renewal that would accompany PX’s success. 26. Vespa 150 Sprint Veloce – 1969 The 150 Sprint Veloce represents the evolution of the previous Sprint. Introduced at the end of the 1960s, the new version combined the touring characteristics of the family with updated mechanical setup. The line remained elegant and traditional, but the model fit into a period when users demanded more versatile and high-performance means. Sprint Veloce became one of the most distinctive Vespas of the late 1960s and early 1970s, now recognizable for its particular balance between classicism and sportiness. 27. Vespa 125 U – 1953 The Vespa 125 U is a particularly significant version of 1950s production. The letter U stands for “Utilitaria”, indicating a model conceived with more basic equipment and a focus on cost containment. Its setup reflects the postwar economic context, where private mobility had to be accessible to a growing number of people. Because of its characteristics and historical role, the 125 U holds an interesting position among the first collectible Vespas. 28. Vespa 150 GS – 1958 The Vespa 150 GS of 1958 represents a subsequent phase of the Gran Sport model introduced in 1955. Subsequent GS series refined a scooter already famous for its sporty character and elegant design. The 150 cm³ displacement, the bodywork setup and attention to performance made this family one of the most desirable of the period. The presence of two 150 GS models from different years allows appreciating internal evolution within the same historic family. 29. Vespa 180 SS – 1964/1965 The Vespa 180 SS, short for Super Sport, belongs to higher-displacement, sporty Vespas of the 1960s. Compared with lower-displacement versions, it targeted an audience seeking higher performance, while maintaining an elegant body and fidelity to Piaggio identity. The 180 SS marks an important step toward the subsequent Rally families. The model plaque shows 1965, while Centauria’s editorial plan indicates 1964, the year associated with the historical introduction of the family. 30. Vespa 90 Sella Lunga – 1963 The Vespa 90 Sella Lunga belongs to the small-displacement production of the 1960s. The compact setup and the use of a longer seat aimed to offer a nimble Vespa, but more versatile than the plainer configurations. This family sits in a period of strong scooter market expansion, when Piaggio sought to satisfy different needs through varied displacements and setups. The miniature helps document the development of compact-shell models that would become particularly popular. 31. Vespa Messerschmitt 150 GS – listed as 1961 in the collection This model recalls Vespa produced under license in Germany. After the Hoffmann experience, in the 1950s Piaggio reached an agreement with Messerschmitt, a company with strong aviation roots. German production helped spread Vespa in Central Europe, through models adapted to local market characteristics. The reproduction is interesting as it documents the link between the Italian project and the German motorcycle industry. 1961 is the year indicated in the editorial plan for this subject; license production by Messerschmitt historically belongs mainly to the second half of the 1950s. 32. Vespa Hoffmann 125 – 1951 The Hoffmann 125 represents one of the earliest Vespa models produced under license in Germany. Hoffmann-Werke’ activity helped make the Piaggio project accessible to a German audience during a period of strong growth in individual motorization. The model preserves the general layout of Italian Vespas of the era, although belonging to a distinct production history. This exemplar is particularly interesting for collectors of international Vespa variants, as it documents Europe-wide diffusion of the project already in the early 1950s. 33. Vespa 150 – 1957 The Vespa 150 of 1957 represents the maturity reached by Piaggio’s project during the 1950s. Versions of this displacement offered a compromise between performance, practicality and comfort, consolidating Vespa’s image as a versatile vehicle. The design continued to evolve gradually, preserving the rounded shapes and stylistic balance that characterized the success of early generations. The model marks the period when Vespa was already a consolidated presence in Italian cities and in many international markets. 34. Vespa PK 125 Automatica – 1983/1984 The Vespa PK Automatica represents one of the most important attempts to technologically update the classic range. The adoption of an automatic transmission aimed to make riding easier, reducing the involvement required of the rider compared with traditional Vespa manual gear. The PK family also features more geometric lines, characteristic of 1980s stylistic evolution. The model’s plaque shows 1984, while the editorial plan indicates the PK 125 S Automatic of 1983. The miniature represents this particular phase of technical experimentation. 35. Vespa GT 200 – 2003 The Vespa GT 200, belonging to the Grand Tourer family, marks a new development phase of the range in the early 2000s. The model introduces a concept more oriented toward comfort, versatility and performances suitable for off-urban travel. The line maintains Vespa’s historic identity, but adopts broader proportions and a different street presence compared with small-displacement models. GT 200 represents a crucial step toward the subsequent GTS, showing how the brand managed to develop a new scooter generation without abandoning its stylistic heritage. 36. Vespa PX 125 T5 – 1985 The Vespa T5, also known as T5 Pole Position, is one of the most distinctive sport variants of the Eighties. Compared with the traditional PX, it features a more assertive visual personality and a mechanical design specifically developed to improve performance. Notable are some elements of the bodywork and the more modern front assembly. The T5 represents a phase in which Piaggio sought to reinterpret sportiness within the PX family, still highly appreciated by enthusiasts of classic Vespas. 37. Vespa 75 – 1967 The Vespa 75 of 1967 testifies to the importance of foreign markets in the Italian scooter story. The designation relates to displacement variants developed and marketed in some markets, particularly under license production. These versions show how the Vespa project was adapted to regulations, preferences and needs different from those in Italy. The presence of the 75 makes the collection more interesting than a selection limited to the models most common on domestic territory. 38. Vespa 125 TS – 1975 The Vespa 125 TS, where TS stands for Turismo Speciale, belongs to Piaggio’s mid-1970s production. The model represents an evolutionary phase of mid-displacement Vespas, with an emphasis on practicality and versatility. The lines preserve the tradition of classic bodies, while the touring identity reflects the growing diffusion of the scooter for longer trips. The 125 TS holds a significant position in the transition between earlier Grand Turismo and the families that would characterize the following years. 39. Vespa Montlhéry – 1950 The Vespa Montlhéry is one of the collection’s most peculiar subjects. Its name recalls the famous Montlhéry circuit in France, a venue for important speed and endurance trials. In 1950 Piaggio used specially prepared versions of the Vespa to demonstrate the project’s technical potential, achieving numerous records. The importance of these feats goes beyond racing: the results helped strengthen the brand’s reliability and innovation reputation for the young company. This miniature documents a little-known but extremely fascinating chapter of Vespa’s sporting history. 40. Vespa 125 – 1948 The Vespa 125 of 1948 belongs to the early stages of Piaggio production development. The displacement increase compared with the original 98 helped make the scooter more versatile and suitable for a rapidly expanding market. The lines retain the essentiality of the initial project, characterized by a protective bodywork and particular attention to ease of use. The model represents a decisive moment in Vespa’s transformation from an innovative product to a vehicle destined for production and widespread diffusion. 41. Vespa 125 Nuova – 1965 The Vespa 125 Nuova is a particularly interesting model in the history of Piaggio’s compact shells. Its setup seeks a balance between compact dimensions, higher displacement and versatility of use. Mid-1960s production coincides with a period of great youth mobility, during which Vespa cemented its role as a practical vehicle and symbol of independence. This miniature allows observation of an evolution phase that would contribute to the development of the subsequent Primavera. 42. Piaggio MP5 “Paperino” – 1945 The Piaggio MP5, nicknamed “Paperino,” is one of the collection’s historically most significant pieces. It is a prototype developed before the Vespa’s definitive birth, within the studies commissioned by Enrico Piaggio to create a new personal mobility vehicle. The project, associated with Renzo Spolti’s work, presented different solutions from the later Vespa designed by Corradino D’Ascanio. The MP5 thusTestifies to the experimental phase preceding the Vespa brand’s birth in 1946. It is a subject of particular interest because it helps understand Vespa’s industrial and design origins. 43. Vespa LX – 2005 The Vespa LX of 2005 represents a return to a compact, elegant scooter, particularly suitable for the city. Developed as an evolution of the ET family, it combines Vespa’s traditional stylistic setup with modern technologies and engines. Ideally, the project recalls the role of the small Vespas of the Sixties, reinterpreted for a contemporary audience. LX marks an important milestone in Vespa’s mid-2000s commercial success and demonstrates the efficacy of a formula based on aesthetic continuity and technological renewal. 44. Vespa 150 – 1955 The Vespa 150 of 1955 represents mid-Fifties production, when Piaggio consolidated its international expansion of the scooter. 150 cm³ versions met the needs of a clientele seeking greater versatility than lower-displacement models. The body retains the harmonious shapes of the classic Vespas, with an immediately recognizable aesthetic. This exemplar also allows comparing a traditional 150 model with the contemporary 150 GS sport version, also present in the collection. 45. Vespa 150 Sprint – 1965 The Vespa 150 Sprint is one of the models that best represent Piaggio’s sporty elegance in the Sixties. The “Sprint” name suggests a more dynamic character, even within a scooter suitable for everyday and tourist use. The body has classic, balanced, and recognizable lines, belonging to a notably mature phase of Vespa design. The model is also of particular interest for comparing with the subsequent Sprint Veloce of 1969, present in the same collection. 46. Vespa 125 Super – 1965 The Vespa 125 Super represents one of Piaggio’s mid-Sixties configurations. Its setup aims for a balance between size, performance and ease of use, features that had contributed to the brand’s success from the start. The model preserves a traditional bodywork and sits in a period when Piaggio offered differentiated variants by displacement and intended use. The 125 Super is also interesting because it allows comparison with the 150 Super of the same period, also included in the collection. 47. Vespa 125 GT – 1966 The Vespa 125 GT, acronym for Gran Turismo, represents the aim to offer a mid-displacement Vespa suitable for different uses. The GT emphasizes the model’s touring vocation, designed to combine practicality, comfort and adequate performance. The design preserves the classic Vespa look of the Sixties, while the range gradually expands with versions for different audiences. The 1966 125 GT marks an important transition in the evolution of touring Vespas, predecessor to the later GTR configurations. 48. Vespa 160 GS – 1962 The Vespa 160 GS represents the evolution of the famous Gran Sport family. With increased displacement and a new design approach, Piaggio developed a scooter that preserved the sporty character of the previous 150 GS, updating many elements. The 160 GS belongs to a phase in which Vespa was already a prestigious product also stylistically. The 1962 exemplar is particularly interesting as it allows observing the transition from the 1950s Gran Sports to a more modern generation. 49. Vespa 150 TAP – 1956 The Vespa 150 TAP is certainly one of the most unusual models in Vespa history. Developed in France within ACMA production, it was intended for the specific needs of French airborne forces. The project anticipated a Vespa version adapted for military duties, with a special structure and the ability to carry specialized equipment. The TAP demonstrates how far Vespa’s versatility could extend beyond civilian mobility for which the scooter was originally conceived. This reproduction is one of the collection’s most curious and recognizable subjects. 50. Vespa 50 – 1963 The Vespa 50 of 1963 is one of the most important models in the history of Italian youth motoring. Piaggio developed it to offer a small-displacement, economical and particularly accessible scooter. Its success was accompanied by advertising strongly oriented to young people, including the era’s famous slogan “Young, modern and… without documents.” The Vespa 50 contributed to spreading the scooter among a new generation of users and became a symbol of freedom and autonomy. The model represents an essential milestone in the brand’s evolution. 51. Vespa 50 Elestart – 1969 The Vespa 50 Elestart is a particular variant of the small Vespa family. Its main historical feature is the adoption of electric starting, a solution designed to make scooter use even more practical. This development fits into the progressive search for greater comfort and ease of use, while maintaining the structure and identity of traditional models. The Elestart represents an example of technical innovation applied to a range that had already achieved considerable commercial diffusion. 52. Vespa 125 VNB4 – 1962 The Vespa 125 VNB4 belongs to one of Piaggio’s most characteristic families from the early 1960s. The abbreviation identifies a specific evolution of the VNB series, part of Vespa 125s intended for daily use. The model preserves the rounded lines and the aesthetic balance typical of the era’s production, testifying to the continuity of the original project. The VNB4 is particularly interesting for lovers of classic Vespas, as it represents one of many evolutions through which Piaggio progressively refined its scooter. 53. Vespa 50 Special – 1969 The Vespa 50 Special is one of Piaggio’s most iconic models. Introduced in the late Sixties, it brought a more modern and geometric image compared to earlier Vespa 50s, distinguished especially by the square-shaped front headlight cluster. The Special became a symbol of Italian youth mobility and maintained a strong link with pop culture for many years. Its success is evidenced by its diffusion and the affection it continues to inspire among enthusiasts. Within the collection it constitutes a particularly representative closing of the historical path dedicated to small-displacement Vespas. ⸻ Historical and collectible importance of the lot This collection brings together models from different periods and categories in Vespa Piaggio’s history: * The origins: MP5 Paperino, Vespa 98 of 1946 and Vespa 98 Corsa. * The early postwar Vespas: 125, 150, utilitarian versions and Sidecar configurations. * Sporty and competition Vespas: GS, 90 SS, Rally, Circuito, Montlhéry and Sei Giorni. * International productions and variants: Hoffmann, Messerschmitt and Vespa 75. * Special applications: Vespa 150 TAP. * Sixties and Seventies icons: Primavera, ET3, Sprint, Special and PX. * Technical evolution: Elestart, PK Automatica, ET4 and T5. * Contemporary productions: GT, GTS, LX, LXV, Sprint, Primavera modern and 946. The joint presence of these subjects allows tracing the brand’s evolution through a single lot, observing changes in bodywork, displacements, commercial names and intended use. Of particular interest are models tied to Vespa’s lesser-known history, such as Hoffmann and Messerschmitt German productions, early racing variants and the TAP military configuration. The collection thus offers a broad and intricate overview of the history of one of Italy’s most representative products in industry and design. The lot concerns the 53 physical models with their respective display bases; it does not include a display case or the collection of editorial issues. The years indicated in the individual entries refer to the historical Vespa models represented, while the miniatures belong to the 2018–2019 editorial series. In cases where the year on the plaque differs from that in the editorial plan, the difference has been explicitly noted. ⸻ Photographic documentation of the lot To allow interested parties to closely examine the collection, detailed photographic documentation has been prepared and organized systematically. The lot images include an initial overall photo and, for each of the 53 models, four different shots: 1. Front view: allows observation of the front lighting group, the handlebars, the shield and front-end characteristics. 2. Side view with identifying plaque: shows the model’s profile and the base with the plaque, useful for identifying the subject and the year shown. 3. Rear view: allows viewing the tail of the body, the seat, the rear lights and other visible details. 4. Opposite side view, without plaque: completes the documentation of the model by showing the side not depicted in the second shot. The photographic documentation has been organized to allow the most complete assessment possible of the aesthetic features and actual condition of each exemplar. Please carefully review all available photographs, which are an integral part of the lot’s presentation and allow direct observation of the offered miniatures. A collection dedicated not only to Vespa enthusiasts but also to collectors of static modeling, motorcycle history and Italian design objects. 53 models, a single lot, and a journey that tells the Vespa story from its origins in 1945–1946 to its contemporary interpretations.

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