Tales from the (motorised) peloton, June 2, 2006

Visiting the home of the Vespa

The eleventh stage Pontedera time trial was important not only for the crucial fifty-kilometre race against the clock, but also for the 89th Giro d'Italia visiting the original home of the Piaggio Vespa scooter, which is currently celebrating its 60th year.

With the Italians known for their style, the sala stampa (press centre) was held in the Museo Piaggio, which, apart from housing a room full of sweaty journos and photographers on a humid Tuscan day, showcased the company's most significant models from its inception in 1948 right through to today. Anthony Tan takes us through a very rare trip back in time.

The entrance to the Museo Piaggio Photo ©: Anthony Tan	Gilera motorbikes Photo ©: Anthony Tan	A 1909 model Gilera VT 317, Photo ©: Anthony Tan
It was Daffy who started it: Photo ©: Anthony Tan	Christened 'Paperino' by its workers Photo ©: Anthony Tan	The Vespa goes to war Photo ©: Anthony Tan
Going Ape Photo ©: Anthony Tan	The 1950 Vespa Montlhery. Photo ©: Anthony Tan	To promote the sporting image of the Vespa, Photo ©: Anthony Tan
On a streamlined vehicle very similar to this Photo ©: Anthony Tan	In 1951, Vespa set off to challenge the most prestigious speed trial: Photo ©: Anthony Tan	On February 9, Photo ©: Anthony Tan
The engine's two drive shafts Photo ©: Anthony Tan	The Vespa 400. Photo ©: Anthony Tan	A prototype 'ciclomotore' Photo ©: Anthony Tan
The Vespa 90 from 1963. Photo ©: Anthony Tan	From 1967, the Ciao C9T. Photo ©: Anthony Tan	The name's Bond Photo ©: Anthony Tan
After a makeover by Piaggio Photo ©: Anthony Tan	No-one ever said being stylish Photo ©: Anthony Tan	Not a seat for the faint at heart. Photo ©: Anthony Tan
Some of the advertising images Photo ©: Anthony Tan	Vespa goes green. Photo ©: Anthony Tan	The Vespa PX became a real work of art, Photo ©: Anthony Tan
Land of the Giants Photo ©: Anthony Tan	The Vespa production line Photo ©: Anthony Tan	During clay model development, Photo ©: Anthony Tan
The Vespa collection. Photo ©: Anthony Tan	Part of the Museo Piaggio's showroom floor. Photo ©: Anthony Tan	The Vespa: way too cool for school. Photo ©: Anthony Tan

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