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1884
Before Vespa
Founded by Rinaldo Piaggio in 1884, Piaggio initially produced locomotives and railway carriages.
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1940
Piaggio makes bombers
Piaggio is commissioned by the Italian government to supply their air force with bomber aircraft.
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1946
The Vespa (Wasp) is born
Aeronautical engineer, Corradino D’Ascanio sold the design he was working on for an inexpensive scooter to Piaggio
called the Vespa. -
1950
Vespas shipped to Canada
Vespas were shipped to North America via navy ships when sailors were posted and/or docked in Italy. They ended up in cities across Canada.
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1960
The Mod Scene
Mods were smart dressers with the latest Italian suits and shoes. Some started buying Vespas to be able to get around to Mod clubs and events.
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1967
Super Cruisaire Allstate
Sears brought in a few Vespas in 1952 as a test of the market. These sold so well that Sears decided to begin full scale sales. The Sears Vespas were dubbed the "Super Cruisaire Allstate" and were sold from 1952 to 1967. The last year of sales in 1966-67 the Allstate was simply called the "Sears" scooter.
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1980
The Second Mod Movement
The Mod Revival came about with the release of The Who’s film Quadrophenia set in the heyday of the Mod scene in England 1964-65.
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1981
Many Vespa shops close across North America
Piaggio leaves the North American market due to strict American emission laws. Closing some shops across Canada and the USA.
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1985
Many owners are left with out mechanical support.
A UK scooter magazine started publishing in the early 80’s, called Scooter Scene with ads for scooter shops that sold parts internationally.
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1990's
Keeping the spirit alive
Vancouver and Toronto were the major cities with the larger populations of Vespa owners were keeping the Vespa spirit alive.
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2000
The Canadian Scooter Corp is formed
The Canadian Scooter Corp was created and started opening up shops across Canada
. These shops sold various models which were quieter and automatic. -
TODAY
New and vintage Vespas on the road
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Be Part
Of Our
Story!
Subtitle
The Vespa has had a long and glorious history full of ups and downs. Today there is a reassurance in interest in the Vespa. Take a walk through the history of the Vespa.