The Vespa PX125

We asked our team to tell us about their favourite ever piece of design. It could be a logo, a building, an object (shoes, gadgets, product packaging). The only criteria was that they consider it a thing of beauty and have an emotional connection to it.

The Vespa PX125 - by David Gale (Publisher)

“A timeless piece of cool Italian craftmanship”

Why do you love it? What does it mean to you?

This was my first mode of transport after my pedal bike. I was into the whole mod revival thing that was going on in the 80s.

This Italian brand of scooter was produced by Piaggio and was all about style, looking good and a million miles away from a 'proper' motorbike.

It was for cruising around town on with your mates, turning heads when people used to hear its familiar sound (vespa means wasp in Italian) and being part of a particular 'scene'. The scooter went hand in hand with clothes and music.

Photo: Bianca Angotti

What are your favourite aspects of it?

Scooters have evolved over the years and become really popular with all ages. But the PX125 has a classic look that most people would identify when they think of a Vespa. I love the lines and curves of it.  

I had white but it came in a range of colours, you could even throw on lots of extras such as mirrors, lights and racks if you fancied. It was cheap way to get around but made you stand out from the crowd.

When you see the bike, what memories does it bring back?

Lots of good times posing around in a parka and loafers and, of course, a few near-death experiences of just riding a scooter (or any motorbike for that matter) as I managed to avoid being hit by cars as I travelled further distances or got blown off by lorries in wet, blustery conditions. Top speed was only about 65mph before it started to shake, but this felt fast on a Vespa!