Two wheels, an unmistakable sound and a design that has captivated generations: The Vespa has long since evolved from an everyday Italian scooter into a cult icon. This year, the famous Italian scooter celebrates its 80th anniversary – and the Essen Motor Show is marking the occasion with a special exhibition. From 28 November to 6 December 2026, visitors can discover selected models spanning eight decades of Vespa history in Hall 2 at Messe Essen. The scooters will already be on display on Preview Day, 27 November. The exhibition highlights just how much personality a two-wheeler can have – and why, even after 80 years, the Vespa is anything but ordinary.
The first Vespa took to the streets of Italy in 1946. Its flowing bodywork, compact design and effortless riding experience quickly made it a popular companion for everyday journeys. But its story did not end there: The Vespa became a fashion statement, conquered the streets of countries around the world and inspired a dedicated community of enthusiasts. Today, Vespas are collected, restored, customised and sometimes personalised down to the smallest detail. This diversity is precisely what the special exhibition at the Essen Motor Show celebrates.
From the First Vespa to a One-of-a-Kind Racing Machine
One particularly remarkable piece of two-wheeled history is the Vespa V98 from 1946. Dating back to the very first year of production, it offers a glimpse into the beginnings of the brand's success story. Its distinctive design remains instantly recognisable to this day. Just four years younger is the Hoffmann HA from 1950. It recalls the period when the Vespa began establishing itself in Germany and scooters became an increasingly familiar sight on the roads.
The 1958 "Flying Snail" has a distinctly sportier character. With its racing number 177, silver bodywork and numerous racing details, it has a personality all its own. The Vespa GTS 300 "Vintage" demonstrates that the passion for customisation continues to this day. Its striking red appearance and individual styling prove that a Vespa can look just as impressive when it departs from its original factory specifications.
It's Not About Size – It's About the Idea
The scooters on display demonstrate that customising does not necessarily require wide tyres, enormous wheels or masses of horsepower. Sometimes, all it takes is two small wheels, a good idea and plenty of attention to detail. That is precisely what makes the Vespa scene so appealing: From meticulously maintained originals to unconventional custom builds, there is room for all kinds of interpretations of the perfect scooter.
"You can recognise a Vespa instantly, whether it's 80 years old or has just rolled off the production line. At the same time, hardly any two Vespas look exactly alike. That's what I love about this scene: People have their own style and simply do their own thing. With this special exhibition, we're bringing that diversity to the Essen Motor Show and showing that even small vehicles can generate huge enthusiasm," says Ralf Sawatzki, Project Manager of the Essen Motor Show.
Nine Days of Festival Atmosphere in Essen
The special Vespa exhibition is part of the Essen Motor Show 2026, which once again offers a wide-ranging programme covering performance, racing, tuning and lifestyle as a festival for all car enthusiasts. More than 500 exhibitors from 19 countries will be taking part. Alongside the latest vehicles and elaborate custom builds, fans of classic cars will also find plenty to enjoy. Tickets are available from the online shop at www.essen-motorshow.de. A regular day ticket costs €20. Only cashless payments will be accepted at the on-site ticket offices.
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