Vespa keeps the birthday festivities going with a more potent 80th anniversary expression.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreDucati has kept its centenario celebrations steadily flowing through exotic halo bikes, retro tributes and other such releases. However, it's not the only one celebrating a birthday in 2026.Just a few hours to the south, Vespa is also ringing in an important milestone. The iconic scooter brand is turning the big eight-oh this year. AdvertisementAdvertisementAs a result, it seems Piaggio wants to prove it knows how to party, too. Having already dropped a few 80th anniversary specials, it's now back with another that looks to be even more enticing.The Edizione Ottantesimo arrives as a different take on Vespa's 80th anniversary celebrations. - Credit: PiaggioA grounded birthday celebrationIt's called the Edizione Ottantesimo, which, unsurprisingly, translates to "80th anniversary." While the name doesn't stray too far from past releases, it makes for a very different flavor of birthday cake.For instance, instead of the pastel green worn by the Vespa 80th models, the Ottantesimo dons a textured grey. It's meant to evoke the raw steel of the scooter's distinctive load-bearing frame, and it comes complemented by a much brighter verdant hue.The color is meant to reference the raw steel of the bodywork. - Credit: PiaggioThat being more olive-leaning than mint, as it references the brand's early monochromatic models. In addition to the saddle upholstery, Vespa has incorporated the color in the commemorative graphics as well as the wheels.AdvertisementAdvertisementThose carry yet another inspired design choice. The Ottantesimo rolls on a set of special rims that pay tribute to the closed, pressed sheet-metal versions fitted on the Vespa 98 from 1946. The rear seat cowl is made only better by the matching helmet. - Credit: PiaggioTo that end, even the seat cowl brings some brand significance. In addition to making for a sporty solo-seat look, it offers a nod to the bodywork historically worn by competition Vespas.Vespa's most potent platformAlthough the Edizione Ottantesimo treatment is strictly visual in its effects, the good news is that its 310 GTS underpinnings amount to a solid foundation.That green is supposed to evoke the monochromatic models from Vespa's early history. - Credit: PiaggioAfter all, it represents the culmination of the brand's expertise. With 25 horsepower and 21 lb-ft of torque on tap, the 310cc single is the most powerful engine Vespa has offered from the factory.AdvertisementAdvertisementMoreover, the GTS platform incorporates conveniences riders couldn't have even dreamed of on the primitive mopeds and scooters from back in the day.Beyond basics like LED lighting, a color TFT display and Vespa MIA connectivity, it brings traction control and ABS. It might appear charmingly retro from the outside, but it's more modern than its looks let on.The wheel design was picked as a tribute to the Vespa 98 from 1946. - Credit: PiaggioAvailability and pricingIn keeping with the festivities, Vespa will be building a total of 1,946 Edizione Ottantesimos as a reference to its founding year. Each one will include a matching helmet and a dedicated coffee table book.Just 25 units are being allocated for the United States market, and they'll be priced from $12,000.Vespa Edizione Ottantesimo Starts at $12,000 AdvertisementAdvertisementAbout the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.
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