Perfect in its compactness, in its functionality, and in its widely imitated design, the Vespa scooter is not only a means of transport, but a true icon. In celebration of Vespa’s 75th anniversary,Vespa: Style and Passionis the lavishly illustrated official history of the legendary scooters and the culture they’ve inspired.

Introduced by the Italian firmPiaggioin 1946 with themodel 98, Vespa enjoyed quick success. The scooters diminutive size and affordability were perfect for promoting postwar mobility. But as with most novel designs, it would also be highly imitated, destined for icon status. From Piaggios origins to the first Vespa prototypes to today’s forward-lookingElettricamodel,Vespa: Style and Passionis the ultimate retrospective of this beloved brand.

A rich selection of visuals includesdozens of studio imagesof the most significant models from throughout Vespa historyincluding classics like the125,150 GS,Super Sprint,Primavera, andRallyas well asperiod advertisements,rare archival photographs, and images of Vespas in popular culture and motorsport.Mod culture, perhaps most responsible for spreading scooter culture, is also given its due with images ofcustomized Vespas.

Vespa: Style and Passionrelates with elan and high design the endless evolution of a marque that has conquered six continents, with 19 million units sold. The Vespa isnot simply a scooter, butthescooter, known and appreciated the world overa rare example of a motor vehicle that survived crises and fashions, always remaining faithful to the original concept. This isthe definitive storyof that influence.