Work: Vespa Sprint

Description

“This is the first experiment with a ground vehicle by Corradino d’Ascanio, the outstanding engineer of the sky—the very same man who famously declared that he had never really been interested in engines.” — Chiara Alessi

The year is 1946. As the Italian people voted to dismantle the monarchy and the newly formed Republic began drafting its Constitution, the Vespa (meaning “wasp”) was born. Its journey, therefore, runs entirely parallel to the history of modern Italy.

In the immediate postwar era, a massive wave of enthusiasm swept across the nation as Italy began to rebuild. Enrico Piaggio had the foresight to channel this newfound energy by pivoting his company’s focus away from aircraft and marine engineering toward personal mobility. He envisioned a motorcycle accessible to everyone, capable of navigating the roads that were freshly reconnecting the country.

Corradino d’Ascanio, the brilliant inventor of the first functional helicopter, was tasked with designing the prototype. Interestingly, he drew much of his inspiration from automobiles rather than traditional motorcycles. The result was a clean-cut, elegant steel fairing that completely concealed the greasy mechanical components, protecting the rider’s clothes. To make it approachable, he placed all the primary controls directly on the handlebars, leaving only the rear brake as a foot pedal. Elegance, speed, and sheer joy became the defining pillars of the project. The specific model featured in our collection is a 1965 “Sprint” Vespa, finished in its classic greenish-grey hue.

Even as a revolutionary novelty that would forever alter transportation history, the vehicle never fully severed ties with its aeronautical roots. As Chiara Alessi notes: “Its form retains the aerodynamic traits of Piaggio’s glorious aviation past. It must be because of that, or perhaps its famous ‘wasp waist,’ that it proudly bears this name.”

Vespa – duration 0:28
Sonic evocation of the object created by Paolo Ferrario.

Further information: Vespa