25,000 Vespas from 67 countries parade through Rome to celebrate brand’s 80th year

In 1946, the Philippines was reeling from the effects of World War II which ended the year prior, and we also gained our independence from the United States. That same year, the Vespa brand was founded in Italy.

This year, the iconic Italian motorcycle brand is celebrating its 80th founding anniversary, and what better way to do so than with a rally of its different models through the streets of the beautiful city of Rome.

Participated by over 25,000 Vespa owners from 67 countries around the globe, the Vespa Roma 2026 – 80 Years Of An Icon event was held, going from the Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla) to the iconic Colosseum, then to the Piazza Venezia, around the Altare della Patria and then on to the Fori Imperiali.

All of the more than 160 models that have been produced throughout the brand’s eight-decade history were present at the parade. This includes some extremely rare examples of the Vespa 98, the first-ever series produced in 1946, as well as many vintage scooters from the 50s and 60s. Other models also included the Vespa ET3, GTR and Rally, as well as the PX, and of course their modern offerings such as the Primavera and GTS.

The celebrations also continue today at the Vespa Village on the Stadio dei Marmi at the Foro Italico, featuring a photo exhibition, a collection of historic and rare Vespa models from the Piaggio Museum, a display of the current Vespa range, and a Vespa Store.