Vespa scooter - the legendary scooter, known all over the world, the dream of millions

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The founder of the European school of scooters - the world-famous Vespa scooter (photos are presented on the page) - was designed by an Italian company owned by aeronautical engineer Enrico Piaggio. The main distinguishing feature of the two-wheeled machine is its frameless design.

Compact and technological model

Instead of the frame, for the first time, a load-bearing body was used, the stamped modules of which were connected into one whole using spot welding. The engine with a horizontally located cylinder included a three-speed gearbox with a gearshift mechanism located on the steering wheel. The rear drive wheel was directly mounted on the gearbox output shaft. The entire power plant weighed 26 kilograms and was located on a hollow pendulum fork.

The motor, protruding to the right of the longitudinal axis of the scooter, was covered with a stamped casing with slots for cooling. On the left side, the same casing was symmetrically located, in which the trunk was located. Access toThe interior of the box was arranged through a small hatch with a lock. The 12-liter gas tank was located under the removable seat.

The Vespa motor scooter was put into mass production in April 1946. Its various modifications are still produced today.

Power is not the main thing

The most popular in the fifties was the Vespa scooter (model LX 50). A small 49 cc motor provided 3.5 hp of thrust, which was enough to drive at a speed of 60 km/h.

In 1948, the engine displacement was increased to 125 hp, respectively, and the power increased, which amounted to 4.5 hp

In 1953, the displacement of the cylinder was increased to 150 cc, while the power increased to 5.5 hp. After that, the engine was no longer upgraded.

Many factories around the world sought to get a license to manufacture Vespa. This was done by the German company "Hoffman", the British aviation company "Douglas", the French company Volose-leke. The USSR also launched the production of Vespas, but without a license. It was an exact copy of the Italian motor scooter, which was called "Vyatka". The Soviet analogue was produced from 1957 to 1966.

Popularity

The Vespa scooter has not changed for decades, it was that rare case when the developers could not "neither reduce nor add anything", the scooter was perfect in every way. He alwayswas in the spirit of the times and met the requirements of all generations. Both pensioners and high school students bought the Vespa scooter, the popularity of the compact car grew, manufacturers barely had time to supply their products to the market.

The scooter became a symbol of post-war Europe, when there were no cars and people had to get around somehow. "Vespa" helped to survive off-road, the scooter occupied an empty niche of transport for personal use. Thanks to its impeccable design and affordable price, the scooter has become the most successful and in demand around the world.

In Europe there has been a real boom of scooters, in 1949 35 thousand cars rolled off the assembly line, and in 1955 the output reached one million. Production has been established on an industrial scale in Germany and France, Belgium, Great Britain and Spain.

Artistic scooter

By the early 1960s, the Vespa scooter was becoming an integral part of the art scene, the sleek and compact scooter was filmed, featured in various productions, and appeared here and there. After the Vespa was shown in the movie Roman Holiday, where Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck rode it, the motor scooter became the dream of millions of moviegoers. It was ridden by the outrageous impressionist painter Salvator Dali. Moreover, he named his scooter after his wife Galina, wrote Gala on the front panel.

Both Hollywood celebrities and ordinary people from towns and villages were in a hurry to get Vespa. The scooter was not an object of prestige, but it becamean idol for Europeans and also for many Americans.

Since demand always creates supply, firms began to produce sports modifications. The Vespa LX 50 scooter with a forced motor appeared. This scooter has received additional features. The Vespa scooter, whose maximum speed under normal conditions did not exceed seventy kilometers per hour, could now reach 100 km / h. At the same time, the car moved smoothly, kept the road well and confidently passed sharp turns.

Diversity in production

However, in general, the Vespa scooter is still available in three versions: with an engine of up to 100 cc for city streets and short trips; with a 125 cc engine, more powerful, for extended range driving; and, finally, sports models with a 150 cc engine and 7 hp thrust

Supermodels such as the GTS 300ie were also produced, which were equipped with an engine with a thrust of 22 hp, allowing speeds up to 130 kilometers per hour. These machines are the most powerful in the Vespa lineup.

Popularity

The popularity of the Vespa scooter is phenomenal, in the entire history of its production there has not been a single example of worthy competition from similar vehicles. Clubs of owners of the legendary scooter are open all over the world. Dealerships also operate in many in all developed countries. Client lists often include celebrities, movie stars and writers, successful couturiers and famous scientists. Hollywood superstar Milla Jovovichmelts with his beloved "Vespa" 1964 release. Movie diva Ursula Andress prefers to come to the embassy of a foreign state in a Vespa, being invited to a reception. After all, you can ride a scooter in an evening dress and a beach suit.