For 80 years, Vespa has been far more than a means of transport. It is a design icon, a symbol of freedom and individuality, and a cornerstone of global pop culture. In 2026, Goodwood Revival will honour this enduring legacy with a spectacular celebration, placing Vespa firmly in the spotlight as the star of its famous track opening parade.
Taking place in late September, the Goodwood Revival will mark Vespa’s 80th anniversary with a parade of more than 300 pre-1967 scooters, including Vespas, Lambrettas, Ducatis and other period classics.
The Little Motor That Could
The story of Vespa begins in post-war Italy. In 1946, when the first MP6 prototype’s 98cc engine was started, industrialist Enrico Piaggio famously remarked that it sounded like a wasp – vespa in Italian. Designed by aeronautical engineer Corradino d’Ascanio, the scooter was conceived as an elegant, practical solution for a nation rebuilding after the Second World War. Its step-through frame, enclosed mechanics and effortless usability were revolutionary, creating a vehicle that was accessible to all and instantly recognisable.
Vespa quickly became a symbol of optimism and creativity, capturing the spirit of a new, forward-looking Italy. By the early 1950s, it had moved beyond transport to define a lifestyle. The slogan “Vespizzatevi!” – loosely translated as “Vespa yourselves” – appeared in global campaigns encouraging personal expression, independence and a modern way of moving through the world.
Pop Culture Icon
Cinema, fashion and music soon followed. From its starring roles in classic European films to its embrace by the Mod movement in 1960s Britain, Vespa became synonymous with youthful rebellion, sharp tailoring and Italian style. For generations, it has connected people through shared identity, community and culture, cementing its place as one of the most influential two-wheeled designs of all time.
This remarkable cultural journey will be celebrated in style at Goodwood Revival. The opening parade will see the Motor Circuit filled with colour and character as the scooters take to the track, showcasing eight decades of design evolution and creative expression. It marks a shift in focus from last year’s record-breaking gathering of Volkswagen Type 2 Split Screens, as the Revival embraces Italian flair and La Dolce Vita.
That spirit will extend beyond the circuit, with The Turning Circle by the Gate 2 entrance transformed into a vibrant Italian-inspired setting, capturing the elegance, charm and joie de vivre that Vespa represents.
