It would be an understatement to say that 1952 was an important year for Piaggio’s well-loved scooter, the Vespa. In a stroke of product-placement genius, it was prominently featured in the filming of Paramount Pictures’ Roman Holiday that year, alongside the young rising star Audrey Hepburn. Much like Hepburn herself, following the release of the film the following summer, the Vespa won the hearts of admirers throughout the world. The scooter plays a pivotal role in a scene in which Hepburn’s character, Princess Ann, and news reporter Joe Bradley, played by Gregory Peck, careen through Rome, wreaking havoc on a shiny new Vespa. As a result of the popularity of the film, annual Vespa sales topped 100,000 for the first time soon thereafter, launching it on a path toward the iconic status it still enjoys today.

This Vespa 125 was beautifully restored in Europe and finished in light green metallic, Vespa’s sole color for 1952. It is smartly accented by deluxe, whitewall tires, which perfectly accent the elegant lines of the scooter and its lively hue. 1952 also marks the final production year for all Vespa models to receive the much-admired Faro Basso style, with its fender-mounted headlight.

Fitted with twin saddles, in keeping with the classic movie, this Vespa is perfect for romantic two-up jaunts around town, or further afield on picturesque rural roads.

*Please note that this vehicle has been in long-term static storage and may require mechanical attention prior to road use.