In my opinion, the best designs are the ones you can’t possibly completely like the first time you see them. Why? Because there are too many exquisite details for your eyes and brain (and other senses, if you’re seeing something in person and can touch, smell, and maybe even hear it) to fully process in that moment.
They’re designs that keep you coming back for more, holding a place in your brain longer than just standing in front of them. The ones that keep you thinking about them for hours, days and maybe even years beyond that fleeting first impression.
It is too early to say whether the Vespa Edizione Ottantissimo is one of these designs; After all, I saw it for the first time just yesterday. Still, since I’ve definitely mentioned here before how I feel about brushed metal (and how more OEMs should incorporate it into their designs because it’s gorgeous), if you’re betting I’ll say this design took my breath away, you’d be right.
Vespa seems to be somewhat of a sucker for matte finishes with their special editions these days; First Officina 8, and now Edizione Ottentessimo. I, for one, love watching it. The combination of visual textures and finishes, with the inclusion of a very special shade of green reminiscent of some of the single-color models of Vespa’s past, epitomizes the timeless elegance that Vespa works hard to showcase. Incidentally, it is based on the Vespa GTS 310.
Plus, that body (-odi-odi, thanks Megan Thee Stallion) is made entirely of steel! This was also a deliberate choice; Protecting it but with textured exposed bars of raw steel highlighting the last 80 years of Vespa craftsmanship, proudly displaying them for the whole world to see.
Incidentally, there is a clever removable cover on the back of the saddle; So it looks like a single-seater with a cover, but you can easily remove it and invite a guest to sit in the back if you want. The wheel rims bring the same green color seen on the saddles and take design cues from the original Vespa 98 of 1946, pulling elements of the same distinctive ’80s graphic you see painted green on the side of the Edizione Ottantissimo.
Photo by: Vespa
Each of the 1,946 individual Vespa Edizione Ottantissimo scooters to be released will come with a special numbered commemorative plaque, hidden in a storage compartment under the seat. Additionally, each of these scooters will come with a matching commemorative helmet, and that design alone is worth your time to see with your own eyes. Good news for US-based Vespistas: I’m told this helmet will be homologated as a DOT-approved thing, so if you order the Vespa Edizione Ottatensimo in the US it will actually be part of the package. Lastly, those who purchase this scooter will also receive a commemorative copy of the Vespa X Assocline Coffee Table Book with their purchase.
Gorgeous bodywork and front end, this is a modern Vespa through and through. As mentioned earlier, it is based on the GTS 310 platform, and uses that 310 single-cylinder engine which results in a claimed 25 horsepower. You get modern features, including LED lighting all around, a 5-inch full-colour TFT dash, Vespa’s MIA connectivity system, keyless entry, traction control and of course ABS.
Optional accessories for the Edizione Ottanetsimo include a 36-litre colour-matched top box, which can also be fitted with a backrest for the person sitting behind you that matches that beautiful green saddle. A whole range of other accessories are also available, but those are the ones that specifically match this special edition.
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Source: Vespa
That’s great, but how do I order it?
So glad you asked. Vespa has decided to make the Edizione Ottentessimo available exclusively online from today. you will need this Go directly to the website to place your order.
What will it cost you? If you’re in the US, the MSRP is $10,000. If you’re in Canada, it’s $14,000. If you are elsewhere in the world, prices will vary. One thing that is clear is that with only 1,946 available worldwide, these probably won’t last long.
Now, if you’re planning on purchasing one of these, here’s a question for you: will you wear the matching helmet while riding, or will you immediately put it on display and pick out another helmet instead? While I’m a big proponent of riding any bike or scooter you have, that helmet is so beautiful, I think I might actually cry if it got any scratches or scuffs on it. But, you know, it’s an opinion, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be your opinion. Let me know in the comments!
