Words: Mike Ryan
Photos: Piaggio Group/PS Importers
Originally created to fulfill a need in Italy for affordable transportation after the ravages of World War II, the Vespa has grown to become a style icon with a global reach. In 2026, 80 years after the original Vespa ‘98’ made its debut, a new model, based on the flagship GTS Super Tech 300, has been released – the GTS 300 80th Anniversary Edition
The official birth of the Vespa (‘Wasp’ in Italian) can be traced back to 23 April, 1946, when the patent office in Florence, Italy, processed an application from the ‘Società Rinaldo Piaggio’ for a “motorcycle with a rational placement of organs and elements, with a frame with mudguards and covers concealing the mechanical parts”. Why Vespa called their creation a “motorcycle” was due the buying public’s negative perception of previous scooters.
A Vespa prototype made its public debut at an Italian motor show in November, 1945, followed by the presentation of the first production 98 in March, 1946. At this time, the war in Europe had been over for less than a year, and while Italy didn’t suffer as badly as some other countries in terms of loss of life and destruction of property, the nation was still on its knees.
With a lack of affordable cars, and Italy’s public transport system nowhere near pre-war levels, the Vespa soon found a market, growing in popularity and spreading throughout Europe, then the world. Like the VW Beetle and the original Mini, the Vespa also became a classless vehicle, as popular with the rich and famous as it was with those on a budget.
As the Vespa enters its eighth decade, it can look back on production numbering more than 20 million units and 160 model variants.
Honouring History
The 2026 Vespa GTS 300 80th Anniversary Edition takes cosmetic cues from the 1946 original. Verde Pastello (Pastel Green) paint, inspired by the colour of the Vespa 98, is exclusive to the new model. GTS details that are usually chromed, like the legshield trim, front suspension, mirrors, switchblocks and pillion grab handle, are also painted in this distinctive shade, using a mix of gloss and satin finishes.
Twelve-inch wheels with a diamond-cut finish that mimic the enclosed wheels of the original Vespa are unique to this model. They get the Verde Pastello treatment, too, accented with an “EST. 1946” inscription.
A grey ‘tone-on-tone’ saddle is complemented with a similar colour for the handgrips, floorboard trim and back of the legshield. Subtle ‘80’ badging features on both the front and back of the legshield, which Vespa describe as "quietly marking eight decades of uninterrupted production".
Super Spec
Under its special paint and trim, the GTS 300 80th Anniversary Edition is the same as the GTS 300. That means a 278cc four-stroke engine, producing 17.5kW (23.5hp) and 26Nm (19.2ft/lb). Engineered to meet Euro5+ emissions, this liquid-cooled single produces minimal vibration and noise, while also offering low fuel consumption.
The CVT allows twist-and-go operation, while braking consists of single 220mm vented discs on each wheel and dual-channel ABS. Single-sided front suspension is in the Vespa tradition, with dual hydraulic shocks at the rear that offer four-step preload adjustment.
Features optional on the GTS 300 are fitted as standard on the 80th Anniversary Edition. These include a colour-matched top box with passenger backrest and a folding chrome luggage rack.
Despite its deliberately retro finish, the GTS 300 80th Anniversary Edition comes with modern features undreamt of in 1946, like full LED lighting, keyless ignition, smartphone connectivity, a 4.3-inch TFT instrument display and the Vespa MIA app that allows owners to find their scooter in a crowded parking lot.
Compact dimensions include a 1,975mm length and 795mm width. Fuel capacity is 8.5 litres and seat height 790mm.
Small Number, High Demand
The first units of the GTS 300 80th Anniversary Edition destined for Australia landed in early September, but numbers for our market are limited. Previous special editions like this have sold out, so potential customers are advised to contact their Vespa dealer ASAP to confirm availability and place their order.
Australian pricing is $15,390 ride away, which includes the aforementioned top box, passenger backrest and luggage rack. Each GTS 300 80th Anniversary Edition also comes with a collectable coffee table book, Vespa, written by Michael Köckritz and published by Assouline. These extras have a combined value of $1,600 if purchased separately.
For more details, see your local Vespa dealer, or go to: vespa.com/au-EN/.
