One of Italy’s Most Iconic Rides Gets a Stunning Heritage Redesign

Ducati has kept its centenario celebrations steadily flowing through exotic halo bikes, retro tributes and other such releases. However, it’s not the only one celebrating a birthday in 2026.

Just a few hours to the south, Vespa is also ringing in an important milestone. The iconic scooter brand is turning the big eight-oh this year. 

As a result, it seems Piaggio wants to prove it knows how to party, too. Having already dropped a few 80th anniversary specials, it’s now back with another that looks to be even more enticing.

Piaggio

A grounded birthday celebration

It’s called the Edizione Ottantesimo, which, unsurprisingly, translates to “80th anniversary.” While the name doesn’t stray too far from past releases, it makes for a very different flavor of birthday cake.

For instance, instead of the pastel green worn by the Vespa 80th models, the Ottantesimo dons a textured grey. It’s meant to evoke the raw steel of the scooter’s distinctive load-bearing frame, and it comes complemented by a much brighter verdant hue.

Piaggio

That being more olive-leaning than mint, as it references the brand’s early monochromatic models. In addition to the saddle upholstery, Vespa has incorporated the color in the commemorative graphics as well as the wheels.

Those carry yet another inspired design choice. The Ottantesimo rolls on a set of special rims that pay tribute to the closed, pressed sheet-metal versions fitted on the Vespa 98 from 1946. 

Piaggio

To that end, even the seat cowl brings some brand significance. In addition to making for a sporty solo-seat look, it offers a nod to the bodywork historically worn by competition Vespas.

Vespa’s most potent platform

Although the Edizione Ottantesimo treatment is strictly visual in its effects, the good news is that its 310 GTS underpinnings amount to a solid foundation.

Piaggio

After all, it represents the culmination of the brand’s expertise. With 25 horsepower and 21 lb-ft of torque on tap, the 310cc single is the most powerful engine Vespa has offered from the factory.

Moreover, the GTS platform incorporates conveniences riders couldn’t have even dreamed of on the primitive mopeds and scooters from back in the day.

Beyond basics like LED lighting, a color TFT display and Vespa MIA connectivity, it brings traction control and ABS. It might appear charmingly retro from the outside, but it’s more modern than its looks let on.

Piaggio

Availability and pricing

In keeping with the festivities, Vespa will be building a total of 1,946 Edizione Ottantesimos as a reference to its founding year. Each one will include a matching helmet and a dedicated coffee table book.

Just 25 units are being allocated for the United States market, and they’ll be priced from $12,000.

Vespa

Vespa Edizione Ottantesimo

• Starts at $12,000

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