From a postwar workshop in Tuscany to showrooms in more than 100 countries, the Piaggio Vespa marks eight decades as one of the world's most recognisable vehicles.Vespa, the iconic Italian scooter, celebrates 80 years since the first patent was presented by Piaggio on 23 April 1946.The anniversary marks a remarkable journey from practical postwar transport to global cultural icon, and a production total approaching 20 million units. History The story of the Vespa's creation is as well known in Italy as the vehicle itself. The design was the work of aeronautical engineer Corradino D'Ascanio, who had been employed by Piaggio since 1932 to design aircraft and helicopters. When Enrico Piaggio asked him to turn his attention to a two-wheeled vehicle, D'Ascanio was reluctant, having little affection for conventional motorcycles, which he considered unwieldy and impractical. The result of his misgivings was, paradoxically, a masterpiece of practical engineering. Origins of name D'Ascanio invented the first motorcycle with a monocoque body in history - dispensing with a tubular steel frame and central tunnel, which created cargo space and eliminated the need to straddle the vehicle. The front suspension drew on the design of aircraft landing gear, the engine was conceptually derived from aircraft starter motors, and the gearchange was placed on the handlebars for ease of use. A protective cowling kept the engine from soiling clothing, and a spare wheel was included as standard. When Enrico Piaggio saw the new prototype, known as the MP6 - with its broad central section to accommodate the rider and its narrow waist - he reportedly exclaimed, "It looks like a wasp!" (Sembra una vespa!). In February 1946, after testing the first six prototypes, the design was finalised for series production. Tuscan roots Production began in Pontedera, Tuscany, with an initial hand-beaten batch of 60 units known as the "Series Zero". Following an agreement with Alfa Romeo in April 1946 to press the bodywork, full series production got under way. The first Vespa had a three-speed gearbox and a top speed of 60 km/h. By 1947 a 125 cc version had arrived, and output grew to 20,000 units per year. By 1953 annual production - including licensed versions - exceeded 170,000. Global fame  In 1956, just a decade after its birth, the one millionth Vespa rolled off the production line. The scooter had by then achieved worldwide fame: The Times described it as "an entirely Italian product the like of which had not been seen for centuries, since the Roman chariot." Over the decades, Vespa has been produced in numerous countries and sold in more than a 100 markets. The scooter became emblematic of postwar economic recovery as well as a symbol of practicality and style. Its presence in cinema, music, and popular culture consolidated its image as an object of cult status. The model range evolved to include the Primavera, Sprint, and GTS, among others, whilst preserving the original design DNA. Modern day and 80th celebrations in Rome Today Vespa is produced at three manufacturing sites: in Pontedera for Europe and Western markets; in Vinh Phuc, Vietnam, for the Far East; and at the Baramati plant in India, which opened in April 2012. The celebrations for the 80th anniversary will culminate in Rome from 25 to 28 June, when tens of thousands of "Vespisti" from around the world are expected in the Eternal City. Photo credit: Travers Lewis / Shutterstock.com

Vespa, the iconic Italian scooter, celebrates 80 years since the first patent was presented by Piaggio on 23 April 1946. The anniversary marks a remarkable journey from practical postwar transport to global cultural icon, and a production total approaching 20 million units. The story of the Vespa's creation is as well known in Italy as the vehicle itself. The design was the work of aeronautical engineer Corradino D'Ascanio, who had been employed by Piaggio since 1932 to design aircraft and helicopters. When Enrico Piaggio asked him to turn his attention to a two-wheeled vehicle, D'Ascanio was reluctant, having little affection for conventional motorcycles, which he considered unwieldy and impractical. The result of his misgivings was, paradoxically, a masterpiece of practical engineering. D'Ascanio invented the first motorcycle with a monocoque body in history - dispensing with a tubular steel frame and central tunnel, which created cargo space and eliminated the need to straddle the vehicle. The front suspension drew on the design of aircraft landing gear, the engine was conceptually derived from aircraft starter motors, and the gearchange was placed on the handlebars for ease of use. A protective cowling kept the engine from soiling clothing, and a spare wheel was included as standard. When Enrico Piaggio saw the new prototype, known as the MP6 - with its broad central section to accommodate the rider and its narrow waist - he reportedly exclaimed, "It looks like a wasp!" (Sembra una vespa!). In February 1946, after testing the first six prototypes, the design was finalised for series production. Production began in Pontedera, Tuscany, with an initial hand-beaten batch of 60 units known as the "Series Zero". Following an agreement with Alfa Romeo in April 1946 to press the bodywork, full series production got under way. The first Vespa had a three-speed gearbox and a top speed of 60 km/h. By 1947 a 125 cc version had arrived, and output grew to 20,000 units per year. By 1953 annual production - including licensed versions - exceeded 170,000. In 1956, just a decade after its birth, the one millionth Vespa rolled off the production line. The scooter had by then achieved worldwide fame: The Times described it as "an entirely Italian product the like of which had not been seen for centuries, since the Roman chariot." Over the decades, Vespa has been produced in numerous countries and sold in more than a 100 markets. The scooter became emblematic of postwar economic recovery as well as a symbol of practicality and style. Its presence in cinema, music, and popular culture consolidated its image as an object of cult status. The model range evolved to include the Primavera, Sprint, and GTS, among others, whilst preserving the original design DNA. Today Vespa is produced at three manufacturing sites: in Pontedera for Europe and Western markets; in Vinh Phuc, Vietnam, for the Far East; and at the Baramati plant in India, which opened in April 2012. The celebrations for the 80th anniversary will culminate in , when tens of thousands of "Vespisti" from around the world are expected in the Eternal City. Photo credit: Travers Lewis / Shutterstock.com