The brand's esteemed Experimental Department was housed in Officina 8 of the Piaggio facility in Pontedera after it was rebuilt after the war. The company's most innovative division was where the most audacious concepts were developed. This is where highly experienced experts, many of whom had previously worked in the aeronautical industry, worked side by side starting in the late 1940s: designers, draughtsmen, mechanics, master metalworkers, and test riders.
The entire European continent was trying to recover from the gloomy war years during these years of rebirth, which led to an amazing explosion of creativity and rebirth. Numerous ambitious undertakings were sparked by a sense of regained freedom and faith.
New concepts, including the most groundbreaking, were first realised in Officina 8: the first Vespa was designed and subsequently prototyped there for mass manufacturing, racing, and record-breaking. The sand casting for the experimental engines, the unique chassis models, and the cutouts for the metal workers were all made internally.
The technicians who worked in the factory's most secret and prized section were identifiable by a highly sought-after blue and gold pin that said "Piaggio 8" and was meant to be worn on their work dungarees.
The development engineers, mechanics, designers, and testers' extraordinary talent was demonstrated by their ability to work in these areas, which were off-limits to everyone else.
Among the custom-built wonders produced in Officina 8 are the renowned "98 Corsa," the Vespa that established 17 world speed and endurance marks in 1950, the flying kilometre record in 1951, and the versions that won the gruelling "Six Days" off-road event.
Carefully and expertly made, each component showcases the manual craftsmanship that distinguishes the finest Italian production. In fact, the Officina 8's technical know-how and ability were so great that each and every vehicle the factory produced was completely original, fusing the newest technology with the elegance and design that would make Vespa so well-known.
Officina 8. A brand-new Vespa model with a unique appeal has arrived.
The Vespa Primavera, in its 50, 125, and 150 cc versions, which epitomises Vespa's youthful, carefree spirit, and the potent Vespa GTV 310, with its low headlight and exposed handlebars, which is the most authentically sporty Vespa ever, both feature the exclusive Officina 8 setup.
The Vespa Primavera and Vespa GTV Officina 8 stand out from the crowd right away thanks to their unique Blu Officina 8 colour, a deep shade of industrial blue with a unique matte metallic finish that helps transport you back in time and evoke the industrial settings of the past, complete with grinding wheels, lathes, and vices as well as functional, long-lasting workwear.
This colour produces a unique contrast with the sophisticated, highly evocative satin-finish metal accents: brass, which adorns the steering cover grille and wheel rims, the latter of which also have a diamond-cut finish on the channel, and aluminium, which adorns the shield's profile and the headlight and rear light surrounds.
The Vespa Officina 8 also revives the highly sought-after brass and blue resin pin that members of the venerable Experimental Department proudly wore. These colours and materials are emblematic of mechanical workshops, the aerospace industry, and other fields. The three-dimensional plate devoted to this model on the back plate reinterprets the well-known pin with a contemporary slant, signifying passion and skill.
Welcome Kit
An exquisite welcome package and an evocative tin container in the colours of this Special Edition, which holds the Owner's Book, are included with every Vespa Officina 8. This priceless volume retraces the history of the Experimental Department, the storied Officina 8, where innovative technicians and visionary minds shaped the brand's future, starting with the original archive documents. This unique history is marked by technological innovation and design.
Technical wear, accessories, and a variety of Vespa Officina 8 clothes
The Vespa Officina 8 line of technical apparel and accessories is a perfect match for the vehicle's design.
The useful top box, which is the same colour as the bike and has the Officina 8 emblem on it, has a backrest made of the same material and colour as the seat.
The Officina 8 series logo adds even more flair to the jet helmet, which has a matte finish and a unique industrial blue colour. It has a ventilation system, a convenient micrometric fastening, and two visors: a clear one and a sunshade. With the intention of guaranteeing sustained comfort, the interior is detachable and breathable.
With its industrial-inspired motifs, the Vespa Officina 8 Apparel collection conjures a workplace vibe. The logo's powerful and distinctive lines, which are a technical-style representation of the stylised "V" symbol that is disassembled and then put back together using screws and bolts, perfectly encapsulate the essence of the Officina.
The windcheater jacket is constructed of water-repellent technical fabric, has a zip closure at the front, a pack-away hood and zip side pockets, making it appropriate for all seasons. Comfort is guaranteed in every situation thanks to the breathable mesh lining.
Customised with the collection's graphics on the sleeves and chest, the hoodie sweatshirt is composed of soft, enveloping cotton.
This quality cotton round-neck T-shirt has an exaggerated version of the collection logo on the back and the Officina 8 emblem on the front.
The unique Officina 8 key ring, the ideal present for Vespa enthusiasts, and a sports bag with drawstring closure, great for both daily usage and riding, round off the collection.
