2007 Vespa PX200 Scooter

Description

The Vespa has become something of a cult object in recent years, worshipped by enthusiasts around the world and thoroughly transcending the original design brief to provide cheap transportation to millions of Italians.  Popularised using clever marketing and an association with celebrities, the Vespa is perhaps best remembered for its role in ‘Roman Holiday’ starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.  Last of the traditional Vespas, the PX200 first appeared in 1977 sporting drum brakes (later updated to a front disc), a single-cylinder engine and steel frame, with a choice of either kick-start or electronic ignition. On the first of January, 1980, four  Vespa PX200s  set out with 211 other cars, bikes and trucks to compete in the Paris to Dakar Rally. On the 23rd of January M. Simonot and B. Tcherniawsky were amongst the 81 competitors to make it into Dakar and cross the finish line, having ridden their Vespa PX 200s from Paris to Dakar, across 7 countries and 10, 000km of brutal terrain. Lasting twenty years, production of this Italian icon finally came to an end in 2007 and Piaggio celebrated with the Ultima Serie loaded with extra features like a luggage carrier, chrome wheels with whitewall tyres and windscreen.  The combination of the old-school two-stroke engine, twist grip four speed gearchange and classic styling made commuting fun and the PX200 continued selling well until the end.  The Vespa has become the Godfather of scooters and can be found on pavements outside the hippest cafes and bars today thanks to the recent revival.