Vespa specials
Following on from the Bieber special edition Primavera, Vespa continues its efforts to attract new riders with a pair of interestingly themed special editions.
First out of the gate is the Elettrica Red, the latest in a series of Red charity specials produced by Piaggio, the previous models being a 946 in 2017 and a Primavera in 2020. The collaboration sees $100 from each sale
From Roman Holiday onwards Vespa has carefully cultivated the image of building a carefree leisure vehicle. Images of sun-soaked excursions to the Tuscan countryside where a picnic of wine, bread, cheese and cold meats are enjoyed in a field of sunflowers have been an advertising staple for decades. In fairness it’s a strategy that’s worked; whether for life insurance or margarine, it’s impossible to count the number of TV adverts which feature a Vespa in exactly that being donated by Piaggio to the Global Fund, a nonprofit organisation founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver that’s grown to be one of the world’s largest funders of global health projects.
Being honest, Scootering role. Regardless of how that fantasy works on a rainy day in Doncaster, Vespa has recently launched the Primavera Pic Nik on to the UK market. Finished in pastel green or grey, the Pic Nik features “an elegant picnic basket made of wood intertwined with rattan that contains a convenient removable cooler bag and the must-have blanket. Made in a special jacquard fabric with a pattern that mimics the woven basket, the blanket is water resistant, so it is readers aren’t its target customers and it won’t appear at any Nationals but it’s hard to be cynical about the Red project’s aims.
Harder to swallow is the price, which in the UK will be £6970 for the 70km/h version. the ideal accessory for any outdoor activity”.
The Pic Nik, which includes front and rear racks together with special badging, will only be available as a 125 in the UK, but there’s a 50cc version for other markets. You may scoff but we quite like the Pic Nik. It’s a bit of fun and even if the accessories are rarely used, paying the premium over a standard Primavera could prove to be a good investment when the time comes to trade it in.
www.vespa.com