This 2007 Vespa is the retro version of their 150cc scooter designed to evoke the style of the original 2-strokes of the 50's. I found it at the now defunct Scooter Superstore with just a few hundred miles on it. I thought it would fun to have to run around town and to use when touring in our Sprinter. It works better for the former than the latter as it is a bit of a hassle getting it up on the hitch carrier, and despite being relatively light, it does effect the handling. So since the first tour it has been relegated to local duties, which it performs very well.

Update: March 2015, the Vespa has been passed on to a nice Vespa riding lady who bought it for her husband so he could ride along with her scooter gang.

Here's a little bit about it from the Piaggio sales brochure:

Introducing ... 2007 Vespa LXV


Avio Grigio paint, leather seat and a very pronounced headlight and exposed chrome bars are the outstanding feature of this scooter. The 150cc air cooled engine can buzz along at 60 mph all day long. There is plenty of storage under the Italian leather seat for a helmet and gloves. This bike is unique and set apart from the crowd of common scooters and will be a head turner everywhere

 
Shown here with the rarely used Vespa top case, it cuts a dashing, vintage figure with subtle coloring and leather two piece seat.

 

Vespa brochure cover.

 

In 2009 Terri and I toured the Outer Banks the Vespa on the back. There has always been a Vespa girl. Long may she reign.