Enrico Piaggio aimed, in a post-World War II Italy ravaged by the war, to create an affordable motorcycle for the masses, capable of penetrating the fragile Italian market of the time and also suitably equipped to navigate the country’s ruined roads. Taking advantage of the thousands of small engines that were used to start airplanes during the war, he designed and brought to life what is considered the world’s first scooter, as well as an eco-friendly and cheerful vehicle.
With a single-cylinder two-stroke engine of 123.7cc, the Vespa 125, now restored by the Caramulo Museum, reaches a top speed of 75 km/h, perfectly suited for the national and secondary roads so popular in both its native Italy and our country. It is also a rare specimen, as it comes from a version that was in production only between 1953 and 1955.
This popular model was donated to the Museu do Caramulo by António Herédia.