eveloped on the base of the Vespa GTS 250, the GT-60 pays homage to the very first scooter, the 1946 Vespa.

The latest step in the Vespa's evolution, the 140th Vespa model - the GTS 250 i.e. - offers the perfect base for this design exercise. The Vespa's fundamental strong point, an all-metal chassis, has been left untouched. The changes concern all the details that have been modified over the years to keep up with technological and design trends in various periods.

On the very first prototype in 1946 the headlamp was positioned on the front mudguard, moving to the handlebar in the mid-1950s. By placing the headlamp on the front mudguard once again, the Vespa GT-60 makes a clear reference to the origins of the Vespa, while the size and the lamp surface are suited to the modern styling of the Vespa GTS.

A similar change has been made to the handlebar, a simple, visible metal tube on the very first Vespa prototype. This typically motorcycle/cycle feature could be seen on each early Vespa series. The GT-60 also uses a 'naked' handlebar, but one of modern motorcycle inspiration.

The round analogue speedometer-mileometer has relatively retro graphics, plus an up-to-date ride information display and electrical system.

The saddle has been comprehensively redesigned. The Vespa started out as a single-seater that could be changed into a two-seater and remained this way for quite some time. On the GT-60 the saddle goes back to being split into two distinct parts, one for the rider and one for the passenger. Upholstered in leather with stylish stitching, it emphasises the skill of Italian leather craftsmen.

The paint on the vehicle also recalls the Vespa's unique history. Like all the early Vespa prototypes, painted an aeronautic grey, the GT-60 is grey, albeit a warm, modern shade of iridescent metallic grey to flatter the design of its all-metal body.

Background
The Vespa of 1946 was already a masterpiece. In a few years' time, the name of this unique, innovative product would come to symbolize Europe's post-war reconstruction. Over the decades, the Vespa would become an icon of youth culture, a means for women to mark their independence and an emblem of Italian style and design worldwide.

The Vespa was a product of technical genius in the aeronautics sector, where design was indissolubly linked to function.
Over the years, the Vespa's design and technical evolution have left the original stylistic and mechanical bases untouched. Now, 60 years on, the Vespa continues to be an innovative product and a perfect example of industrial design in terms of its concept, shape and production technology.

The passing decades have turned the Vespa's strong concept, expressive styling and unequalled success worldwide into a legend featured in countless films, photographs, advertising campaigns and art and design exhibitions.

As the Vespa prepares to turn 60 in 2006, Piaggio presents two striking show bikes at the Milan show: the Vespa GT-60 and Vespa LX-60.

Through a clever re-interpretation of some of the typical design and technical elements of the past, particularly the 1950s and 1960s, these prototypes evoke the romance of the past in timeless Vespa fashion.

The Vespa GT-60 and Vespa LX-60 are a tribute to this legendary product, the result of purely Italian creativity and design.

Piaggio/Carsten Berg, Scooter Press