Description

Book Synopsis
Vespa and Lambretta remain the two most iconic motor scooter brands, even four decades after the latter’s demise. But what made them such a European sensation in the postwar era? And why were they particularly popular in Britain in the 1950s and ’60s? Motor scooter expert Stuart Owen explains the rise of Innocenti’s Lambretta and Piaggio’s Vespa, from the wartime ruins of Italy, through years of plenty as the two manufacturers exploited a ready market for affordable, economic transport, and then their decline into more uncertain times as motor cars trespassed on their success. He also explores the rich history of accessorising and customising the scooters, their essential role in the mod movement, and the revival in Vespa’s fortunes following the release of the cult film Quadrophenia.

Table of Contents
Introduction The Birth of the Motor Scooter The European Invasion Difficult Times The Demise of the Lambretta Piaggio Goes from Strength to Strength The Legacy Lives On Places to Visit Index

Vespa and Lambretta Motor Scooters

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by Mr Stuart Owen

    £8.99

    Includes FREE delivery

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Thu 1 Oct 2026.

    2 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Vespa and Lambretta Motor Scooters by Mr Stuart Owen

      Book details

      Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
      Published 21 February 2019
      ISBN-13 9781784423148
      978-1784423148
      ISBN-10 1784423149
      Also in:
      History Travel & Transport Motor cars: general interest Motorcycles: general interest

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Vespa and Lambretta remain the two most iconic motor scooter brands, even four decades after the latter’s demise. But what made them such a European sensation in the postwar era? And why were they particularly popular in Britain in the 1950s and ’60s? Motor scooter expert Stuart Owen explains the rise of Innocenti’s Lambretta and Piaggio’s Vespa, from the wartime ruins of Italy, through years of plenty as the two manufacturers exploited a ready market for affordable, economic transport, and then their decline into more uncertain times as motor cars trespassed on their success. He also explores the rich history of accessorising and customising the scooters, their essential role in the mod movement, and the revival in Vespa’s fortunes following the release of the cult film Quadrophenia.

      Table of Contents
      Introduction The Birth of the Motor Scooter The European Invasion Difficult Times The Demise of the Lambretta Piaggio Goes from Strength to Strength The Legacy Lives On Places to Visit Index

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account