In most manufacturing industries, 140 years of existence is a rarity, and in the motor vehicle world, darn near unheard of. So when we first got this release we thought it was a typo, but nope, it’s true—Piaggio, established in 1884, turns 140 years old this year. To celebrate the milestone anniversary, one of the company’s best-known brands, Vespa, is pulling out the stops with the super-exclusive Vespa 140th of Piaggio scooter. The special-edition machine is sure to draw the interest of collectors and enthusiasts alike, as it will be manufactured in a very limited run of just 140 units and only be available during the Vespa World Days 2024 rally from April 18 to 21 in Pontedera.
Related: 2023 Vespa GTV 300 Coming to the US
For the 140th of Piaggio model, the Vespa design team chose the brand’s GTV 300 as a platform, drawing on that bike’s combination of classic retro shapes and modern features, leveraging the low headlight and exposed tubular handlebar and tarting it up with sportier trim and a high-tech equipment package.
The special version is also notable for its eye-catching blue and light blue on white color scheme, which itself is a riff on the Piaggio Group’s in-house colors. The color combo sports classic graphics and a new Vespa monogram that plays up that iconic signature necktie treatment on the front shield, with triple air intakes on both sides. The long, single-seat saddle is blue as well, with double tone-on-tone stitching, while the wheel rims roll with blue on light blue inserts and are exclusive to this model.
Black accents on the body profile, mirrors, muffler, and fold-away passenger footrests give the 140th model a refined look, and each bike also gets a numbered celebratory plate on the rear shield, capped with a distinctive 140-years logo.
The Vespa 140th of Piaggio shares its CVT transmission and 300 HPE liquid-cooled 278cc single-cylinder engine with the standard GTV 300, which appears to be mechanically unchanged here, claiming the same 23.8 hp output. The full LED light clusters and digital instrumentation are also taken straight off the 300 GTV, and as on that model, Vespa’s MIA connectivity system is available as an accessory on the special edition. A keyless ignition system, ASR electronic traction control, and an antilock braking system all come standard on both bikes.
Naturally, the Vespa 140th of Piaggio can be fitted with the entire range of accessories already available for the base GTV, as well as a more stylish rear leather bag with the Vespa logo embossed on it. Piaggio hasn’t given us a price, but if you’re interested, you’d better act fast (and not be based in North America): The bike is only available in select markets and can’t be obtained come April 22. In fact, given the passionate nature of Vespisti, it’s probably already sold out.
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