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The Vespa was born in Pontedera, Pisa - Tuscany, Italy in 1946 immediately following the second World War. Its fame was immediately affirmed thanks to its unmistakable form and great, faithful generosity on the road.
Its name has continued to expand worldwide, both with the classic and new Vespas, winning the sympathy and passion of entire generations for over fifty years.
An entire world exists behind the word Vespa.
My Story I, too, was born in Pontedera - some twenty years later - and was raised in the world where the Vespa is not only a great myth but also a useful form of transportation.
Beginning in childhood, the Vespa is an integral part of every person's life. Women, men, teens and elderly - everyone uses their Vespa every day.
VESPA = FREEDOM
Four years ago I moved to Brooklyn and have missed many things, not the least of which, my faithful Vespa. So in February of 2000 I restored and brought my first vintage Vespa to the US - a white 1970 Gran Turismo. From the very first days - as I rode it between Brooklyn and the other boroughs of New York City - people have shown me, smiling, interest and appreciation for my friendly scooter. There is a constant flow of questions about how one could get their own classic Vespa in New York. And so...
My Project Here, the idea for my project was born: to bring - from Pontedera to the US - vintage Vespas having the following qualities:
1) Classic
2) Completely restored
3) Safe and reliable
1) Classic in that they conform to their original version, mirroring the model and the specific year of manufacture - as though they were just built - free to be personalized with an infinite number of accessories.
2) Completely restored in the Pontedera area where an entire world of collectors, specialized mechanics and artisans, spare parts dealers and above all Vespa enthusiasts makes it possible to put together classic, high quality vintage Vespas. The mechanical and electrical systems and the bodies and detailing of these Vespas have been completely reviewed and restored as necessary to the highest standards. Thanks to the availability of original Piaggio spare parts and thanks also to the decades of experience of the artisans who have participated in the restoration process, these scooters are now as robust and strong as new.
3) Safe and reliable in that there has been no alteration to their original conformation to attempt to "heighten performance" (such as "upgrading" the transmission, muffler, carburator or cylinder, etc). Seeing as the Piaggio factory has very carefully developed the mechanics of each model to be as generous as possible on the road, yet with an keen eye to reliability, longevity, and safety - qualities which I retain critical - I have directed these restorations in that same key.
Point of Note
These are not the very first Vespa models that the Piaggio created fifty years ago. Nor are they either the most rare (the ones that collectors contend over - to obtain at any price), of which only a few exemplary models were produced. They are, rather, the classic, signature Piaggio Vespa models.
Nevertheless, to find one that is twenty-five, thirty, or thirty-five years old that is in good enough condition to take on a restoration and - an important detail - with all its documents together - believe me, is not the easiest task even in the world of the Vespa.
Details of the Restoration 
Mechanical / Electromechanical
The mechanical reconstruction of these Vespas is being done by a friend and expert. After twenty-five years of experience at the Piaggio factory in the Department of Experience and Modifications testing Vespa prototypes and making adjustments to perfect each model's performance before manufacture, he now has his own studio specializing in the restoration of classic Vespas.
(A studio which, I must add, is the center point for many Vespa fanatics who compete amongst themselves for the "title" of expert making points on the dates, models, numbers, and details of every Vespa ever built by the factory.)
He has opened and disassembled these Vespas. And he has not only replaced the consumed parts but has also substituted any "vital" parts with spare parts that he has discerned with his expert eye necessary to eliminate any hypothetical future problems - thus building a Vespa to be used every day for many years to come WITHOUT PROBLEMS.
Body Work
Even though they were still in very good condition and free of critical rust, these Vespas have been restored their original beauty by another friend, a veteran in the field of Vespa body work. He has substituted necessary parts and repainted the Vespas with original Piaggio colors, dedicating particular attention to detail.
Quality is confirmed with time All this has taken time, passion, and obviously money - and the results are optimal. Acquiring one of these Vespas is an investment - being of classic vintage quality, their value is destined to augment and not diminish with time.
It is possible to find Vespas that cost less - but this does not mean a savings. Even without taking into consideration the originality of the scooter and parts, the costs of major repair and spare parts in the US are high.
These are ideal vintage Vespas ready to ride - safe and reliable for every day use on the road.
The SCOOTER BOTTEGA Shop
My business, SCOOTER BOTTEGA, is a automobile dealer and repair shop registered with the State of New York. We are located in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn at 65 Union St. on the corner of Van Brunt. Call for an appointment (718) 858-4667 or email me at alberto@scooterbottega.com Vespas can also be shipped to buyers not in the area.
In addition to our SCOOTER BOTTEGA scooters, we now also have CONSERVED scooters as well as scooters in VARIOUS conditions and project scooters for sale. For more information, please take a look at the website to see what we now have available.
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In the hope that this long text has been a help to whomever desires one of these charming scooters, I thank you for the time and attention you have dedicated to it.
Drive safely and best wishes,
Alberto
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