Key Vespa | Autokeymaster.ru

Vespa (Italian Vespa — wasp, hornet) — Italian motor scooter. Produced by the Piaggio concern from April 1946 to the present. He is the founder of the European design school of motor scooters and the first successful scooter in the world.
Vespa was designed by aeronautical engineer Corradino D'Ascanio and commissioned by Enrico Piaggio. The machine was designed from scratch without regard to traditional motorcycles. It was based on aviation principles, namely the combination of functions and the rejection of everything unnecessary. A characteristic feature of this model — frameless design. The role of the frame was played by a supporting body, the simple stamped panels of which were connected by spot welding. The engine with a horizontal cylinder (displacement 91 cm³, power 3.3 hp at 4500 rpm) was interlocked with a three-speed gearbox, gears were switched by a rotating handle on the steering wheel. The designer abandoned reverse gear — The drive wheel was placed on the shank of the secondary shaft of the gearbox. The power unit, weighing only 26 kilograms, swung along with the wheel on a pendulum fork. Small wheels with tires size 3.5-8″ They were mounted on a cantilever and had an unusual design of two halves. The engine was located to the right of the drive wheel and was covered with a convex stamped casing. On the left, for symmetry, the same casing was made, under which the spare wheel was placed. The gas tank was located at the back of the scooter. The first Vespa was very technologically advanced (and therefore cheap) and quickly gained popularity.
In 1948, motor scooters began to be equipped with a 125 cc motor³ 4 horsepower, and in 1953 its power increased to 4.5 horsepower. After increasing the working volume to 150 cm³ power increased to 5.5 horsepower.
There is a national Vespa Club in Russia with branches in St. Petersburg and Moscow.