Restoration Archive: Quality is confirmed with time

3) Safe and reliable in that there has been no alteration to their original conformation to attempt to "heighten performance" (such as "upgrading" the transmission, muffler, carburator or cylinder, etc). Seeing as the Piaggio factory has very carefully developed the mechanics of each model to be as generous as possible on the road, yet with an keen eye to reliability, longevity, and safety — qualities which I retain critical — I have directed these restorations in that same key.

Point of Note

These are not the very first Vespa models that the Piaggio created fifty years ago. Nor are they either the most rare (the ones that collectors contend over — to obtain at any price), of which only a few exemplary models were produced. They are, rather, the classic, signature Piaggio Vespa models.

Nevertheless, to find one that is twenty—five, thirty, or thirty—five years old that is in good enough condition to take on a restoration and — an important detail — with all its documents together — believe me, is not the easiest task even in the world of the Vespa.