Fun with Vespa

My parents spun tales of Vespas in Italy carrying entire families, so I pictured slow vehicles with Italians clinging on like barnacles. But when Vespa New Zealand invited me to meet the local fans for a celebration of 78 years of the brand, I eagerly hopped onto their top end GTV 300 model. No Italians clinging to this, but the Vespa club buzzed with enthusiasm for this modern slice of two wheeled la dolce vita.

The GTV 300 marries scooter convenience with surprising sporty pep – a 300cc single cylinder engine that goes with gusto to confidently conquer the motorway. You’ll need a motorcycle license to hustle this big boy, while smaller Vespas permit riding with a car license.

From the rider’s saddle, the Vespa oozes Italian flair. Twist the throttle and this sexy thing scoots with serious verve, hugging cobbled city curves with eager, nimble handling.  

Yet Vespa cultivates more than just a brand – it’s an inclusive lifestyle cult…ure, a big Italian family welcoming newcomers with open arms (and probably cheek kisses). Once embraced, you’re hooked on the zest for life and carefree attitude. While motorcycle rides often ooze competitiveness, a flock of scooters breeds only smiles and laughter.

Vespa New Zealand has cultivated this fun-loving brand ethos well. After zipping 40 minutes from their sleek new Auckland showroom, we arrived at an Italian-themes festival thrown by the local chamber of commerce. Amid Negroni, Toto’s pizza, and classic gelato, the crew showcased Vespa’s latest models in a party atmosphere. This somehow so suited the essence of what Italy’s Vespa is about – fun and frivolity.