Vespa · 1946–1948
Vespa 98: history and buying advice
The very first Vespa, the start of a world brand.
History
After the war Enrico Piaggio wanted to build a simple, cheap means of transport. He did not like the first prototype, the MP5 ‘Paperino’. So he asked aircraft engineer Corradino D’Ascanio for a new design. D’Ascanio did not like motorcycles: he put the engine next to the rear wheel, so no chain was needed, and made a frame you simply step into.
When Piaggio saw the new MP6 prototype, he is said to have exclaimed: ‘Sembra una vespa!’ (it looks like a wasp). The Vespa 98 was first shown to the public in April 1946, at the Rome golf club. In the first months it was sold through Lancia dealers.
In the first year 2,484 were built in Pontedera. A second series followed in 1947–1948. According to InSella just over 18,000 were made in total; then the Vespa 125 took over.
Key data
| Engine | 1 cylinder two-stroke, horizontal, cast-iron cylinder with light-alloy head |
|---|---|
| Bore × stroke | 50 × 50 mm, 98 cc |
| Power | 3.2 hp at 4500 rpm |
| Gears | three |
| Wheels | 8 inch |
| Top speed | approx. 60 km/h |
| Weight | approx. 64 kg (Autoevolution figure) |
| Price 1946 | 55,000 lire, luxury version 66,000 lire |
What to check when buying
- Genuine Vespa 98s are rare and expensive: always have authenticity assessed by a specialist or club.
- Many examples have been built up from parts of later models; check that wheels (8 inch), rear body and engine are correct.
- There was also an export version with 125 cc; it has different engine data.
- Original parts are extremely scarce; expect searching and custom work.
- Compare the frame number (with the type prefix, for example VS5T or VSE1T) and the engine number with the registration document. An illegible or altered number is a big problem.
- Beware of cheap, quickly refurbished examples with lots of filler, wrong parts or a frame that does not match the type. If in doubt, take someone from a Vespa club along.
SourcesMuseo Piaggio: Vespa 98Wikipedia: VespaInSella: the legendary Vespa models (Italian)Autoevolution: Vespa 98
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