Vespa has introduced the Officina 8 special editions, a trio of scooters celebrating the legacy of Piaggio’s Experimental Department at the Officina 8 workshop in Pontedera. Established during Italy’s reconstruction after World War II, this secretive department was the cradle of the first Vespa and groundbreaking models, including the 1950 Vespa that set 17 world speed and endurance records, the 1951 flying kilometer record holder, and the dominant 98 Corsa from the grueling International Six Days Trial.
- There are three Vespa Officina 8 scooters. The Officina 8 edition includes the urban-friendly Vespa Primavera in 50 and 150 variants, plus the Vespa GTV 310—the brand’s sportiest model with its low-mounted headlight and exposed handlebar.
- Each scooter sports the exclusive matte metallic Blue Officina 8 color. It evokes the industrial aesthetic of vintage machinery, such as lathes and vices. Satin aluminum accents highlight the shield profile, headlight, and taillight surrounds, while brass details embellish the steering-cover grille and diamond-cut wheels. A three-dimensional back plate reimagines the coveted blue and brass Piaggio 8 pin worn as a badge of honor by Experimental Department workers, as it symbolizes their elite status within the factory.
- The scooters’ development reflects the Experimental Department’s rigorous process. In the 1940s and 1950s, Officina 8 housed designers, mechanics, and test riders—many boasting aeronautical backgrounds—who collaborated on unconventional prototypes. They crafted metal cut-outs, special chassis, and sand-cast experimental engines in-house, with road testers logging tens of thousands of miles to refine the designs for production or racing.
- Craftsmanship is a focus of the Vespa Officina 8 models. The dual-upholstered saddles feature horizontal heat-sealed stitching, double contrasting stitching, and polished brass rivets—all nods to the meticulous handwork of Piaggio’s early technicians. Matte black detailing and sporty matte black bar-end mirrors complete the design. The Officina 8 edition of the Vespa GTV 310 further stands out with a matching rigid cover reminiscent of Vespa’s competition fairings, enhancing its aggressive stance.
- Each scooter comes with a matching tin container, featuring the scooter’s color scheme—inside is a welcoming package. It contains an Owner’s Book, compiled from Piaggio’s original archives, chronicling the Experimental Department’s role in shaping Vespa’s technological and design legacy. The book highlights how Officina 8’s technicians blended cutting-edge engineering with the elegant, timeless style that has made Vespa a global icon.
- Complementing the special edition scooters is a range of accessories and technical apparel. A color-matched top box with a backrest reprises the saddle’s materials. Technical gloves feature dual-density knuckle protection and touchscreen compatibility. Also available is a water-repellent windbreaker.
- A coordinated apparel collection adopts a workwear-inspired aesthetic. Beckoning the Vespisti is a cotton hoodie, premium cotton T-shirt, drawstring sports bag, and a branded key ring. All sport the collection’s stylized “V” logo accented by screws and bolts.
- The Vespa Officina 8 models are available now. Check with your dealer for pricing.
Vespa Officina 8 Photo Gallery
