Vespa celebrates 80 years with a special limited-edition model
Vespa is marking its 80th anniversary with the launch of a limited-production anniversary model based on its flagship GTS platform.
Unveiled June 25 during the “80 Years of an Icon” celebration at Rome’s Foro Italico, the Vespa Edizione Ottantesimo is limited to 1,946 individually numbered units, a nod to the year the original Vespa debuted.
The collector’s edition is based on the Vespa GTS 310 and features a unique finish inspired by the scooter’s signature steel monocoque body. The special livery combines a textured metallic gray with heritage-inspired green accents on the saddle, wheel rims and anniversary graphics.
Vespa says the styling pays tribute to the brand’s iconic steel construction while blending modern technology with classic Italian design. Additional details include redesigned wheel rims inspired by the original 1946 Vespa 98, a removable rear seat cowl that creates a single-seat appearance, a numbered commemorative plaque beneath the seat and a matching anniversary helmet included with each scooter.
Mechanically, the anniversary model shares the same platform as the current GTS 310 lineup. Power comes from Vespa’s 310cc high-performance single-cylinder engine producing 25 horsepower, the most powerful engine ever fitted to a production Vespa. Standard equipment includes full LED lighting, a 5-inch TFT display with Vespa MIA smartphone connectivity, keyless ignition, ABS, traction control (ASR) and under-seat courtesy lighting.
Owners can also purchase a color-matched 36-liter top case and other factory accessories, including luggage racks, windscreens and an electronic anti-theft system. Each Edizione Ottantesimo also includes a commemorative coffee-table book produced by luxury publisher Assouline, featuring archival imagery from Piaggio Group documenting Vespa’s eight decades of history and cultural influence.
The anniversary celebration extended beyond the product launch. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Piaggio Group Executive Chairman Matteo Colaninno and CEO Michele Colaninno at Palazzo Chigi to commemorate the milestone. Historic Vespa models from 1949, 1964 and 1976 were displayed alongside current models arranged in the colors of the Italian flag.
“The Vespa is not just an example of industrial excellence, it is also one of the world’s best-loved Italian icons, a symbol of Italian creativity and style,” Italian Prime Minister Meloni said in a statement. “Celebrating its 80th anniversary means paying tribute to one of the most fascinating success stories of Made in Italy.”
Unlike most Vespa models, the limited-edition Edizione Ottantesimo is being sold exclusively through Vespa’s online ordering platform rather than through traditional dealer inventory. Dealers are still expected to play a role in delivery and vehicle preparation, but customers must place their orders online.
