Vespa

Style and Passion

by Valerio Boni; Stefano Cordara

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Pub Date Sep 15 2020 | Archive Date Oct 29 2020

Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks | Motorbooks

History | Nonfiction (Adult)

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Description

Perfect in its compactness, in its functionality, and in its widely imitated design, the Vespa scooter is not only a means of transport, but a true icon. In celebration of Vespa's 75th anniversary, Vespa: Style and Passion is the lavishly illustrated official history of the legendary scooters and the culture they've inspired.

Introduced by the Italian firm Piaggio in 1946 with the model 98, Vespa enjoyed quick success. The scooters’ diminutive size and affordability were perfect for promoting postwar mobility. But as with most novel designs, it would also be highly imitated, destined for icon status. From Piaggio’s origins to the first Vespa prototypes to today's forward-looking Elettrica model, Vespa: Style and Passion is the ultimate retrospective of this beloved brand.

A rich selection of visuals includes dozens of studio images of the most significant models from throughout Vespa history—including classics like the 125, 150 GS, Super Sprint, Primavera, and Rally—as well as period advertisements, rare archival photographs, and images of Vespas in popular culture and motorsport. Mod culture, perhaps most responsible for spreading scooter culture, is also given its due with images of customized Vespas.

Vespa: Style and Passion relates with elan and high design the endless evolution of a marque that has conquered six continents, with 19 million units sold. The Vespa is not simply a scooter, but the scooter, known and appreciated the world over—a rare example of a motor vehicle that survived crises and fashions, always remaining faithful to the original concept. This is the definitive story of that influence.

Perfect in its compactness, in its functionality, and in its widely imitated design, the Vespa scooter is not only a means of transport, but a true icon. In celebration of Vespa's 75th...

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9780760368527
PRICE	$40.00 (USD)
PAGES	224

Available on NetGalley

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Additional Information

Average rating from 8 members

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Featured Reviews

Ioana M, Reviewer

This is an enchanting journey into the very complex world of Vespa.

Much more than a vehicle, much more than an object of desire this book covers the brand in all its facets. It starts with the history of the manufacture, Piaggio, catalogues all its models and their special technical features, but it also focuses on how the brand has evolved through the years and the special way people offer it space into their lives. From a two wheel vehicle this special creation has become a flag brand for Italy, but also for freedom and for fashion, but more than that, it surpassed the expectation people had for it and conquered, with the help of adventurous people, many difficult races and riches extraordinary places.

For me, more than a beautiful book, this was a beautiful story of how a brand can continue to innovate and still keep its core values and traditions to become an extraordinary products.
I loved this book, it's a must have for Vespa aficionados and also a great gift for lovers of Italy, innovation, branding, adventure and more.

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Reviewer 736092

'Vespa' is a wonderful journey through time and culture. Boasting a plethora of period images (photos, advertising, film stills), one can't help but be swept away by the magic that is the Vespa, in all its incarnations. 'Vespa' is a snapshot of the birth, development and foundations which have made the Vespa the icon it is today.

I would recommend this for readers interested in mechanical engineering, automotive history, Italian culture and Italian industrial design. This would also prove a valuable resource in school and university libraries in which Italian language and culture are taught. It provides invaluable insights into the design processes which responded to market needs and socio-cultural demands since its inception.

Thank you to NetGalley and The Quarto Group - Motorbooks for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

#NetGalley #Vespa

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Jazzy L, Reviewer

This book presents the history of the Vespa complete with heart-throbbing pictures of these little motorbikes as well as those clever and attractive adverts. So terrifically sexy, and Audrey Hepburn makes more than one appearance. You'll be drooling over this book for years to come!