Fiat500
The “Nuova 500” (nuova means ‘new’ to distinguish it from the previous prototype) was designed and launched at a very sensitive moment in Italian history, during the transitional period between the start of post-war reconstruction and the coming of the economic boom of the 60’s. The Nuova 500 was officially unveiled in July 1957. In line with the intentions of master designer Dante Giacosa, the very first generation reflected the back-to-basics economy of that Italy.
In 1958, a sports version was introduced performing very well in numerous competitions, thus contributing to the overall success of the 500. In 1959, the Nuova 500 cabriolet was launched and won the Compasso d’Oro design prize, the first car to receive this award. From 1960 to 1965, several models were introduced: the 500 D, the 500 F and the L (Luxury). The most evident modifications in these models were the so-called rear-hinged ‘suicide’ doors and some accessories. During this period, the 500 became the best-selling model in Italy . The extraordinary adventure of the 500 came to an end on the 1st of August, 1975. On the 4th of December, 2007 the new version of modern Fiat 500 was released in front of 100,000 people, and the dream now lives on.

Vespa
Based on the original concept by Enrico Piaggio, the Vespa was designed by an ingenious aeronautical engineer called Corradino D’Ascanio, who invented a simple, sturdy, economical bike that was also comfortable, stylish, easy to ride. The Vespa featured a spar-frame, handlebar gear change, rear-wheel mounted engine and a front fork that looked like a plane’s landing gear and that made it easy to replace the wheel. In one word, a revolutionary vehicle. The first Vespa which rolled out of the Piaggio production lines at Pontedera had a 2-stroke, 98 cc engine capable of generating 3.5 hp at 4500RPM. Its top speed was 35 kph and it had a three-speed gear change. In 1948 came the next model, the 125, followed by the legendary 150GS in 1955, the 50 in 1963, the 125 Primavera in 1968 and, last but not least the PX (125, 150 and 200 cc) from 1977, which would go on to become the biggest selling two-wheelers ever. Vespa is sought after by thousands and thousands of enthusiasts thanks to its winning combination of stylish lines, manual gearbox, its space for a spare wheel and its steel chassis, which is a feature of all Vespa models. In 2006 Vespa LX was released to celebrate 60 years since the birth of the Piaggio brand.