There are vehicles that transcend their function to become authentic symbols of a country. That happens with Vespabut also with the training ship Amerigo Vespuccithe historic ship of the Italian Navy considered by many to be one of the most beautiful sailboats in the world. By the way, their motto is: “Not the one who begins, but the one who perseveres“, phrase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. Now, as we are telling you, both starred in a historic meeting last week in New York Harbor.
Yes, the transalpine brand has presented a Vespa created specifically to accompany the ship during its stopover in the American city on the occasion of «Sail4th250«, the program of events organized to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States in the port of the Hudson River. By the way, the ship is now in Boston.
A Vespa inspired by a historic icon of the sea
The design of this exclusive scooter takes as reference the unmistakable image of the sailboat. The bodywork sports an elegant gloss black finish crossed by two white stripes that reproduce the decoration of the boat’s hull. The designers have also incorporated side graphics inspired by the ship’s characteristic portholes, while different ocher details are reminiscent of the decks and wooden elements that distinguish the historic sailboat.
An official illustration of the Amerigo Vespucci sailing with all its sails spread, and the Italian flag as the main protagonist.
If there is an element that converts this Vespa The seat is a true collector’s item. Instead of the usual leather or synthetic upholstery, the company’s Piaggio has resorted to canvas “Olona“authentic, the same fabric traditionally used to make the sails of the most authentic and historic sailboats. A nod that connects the two icons separated by fifteen years, but united by craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Two legends born fifteen years apart
He Amerigo Vespucci It was launched in 1931 and has served as a training ship for the Italian Navy since then. For decades he has trained thousands of officers at the Livorno Naval Academy and has traveled the world representing Italy in numerous international ports. It’s like him Juan Sebastian de Elcanobut 4 years younger than our very famous brig-schooner of the Spanish Navy.
Its classic silhouette, with three masts (the Elcano has 4) and traditional rigging, has earned it international recognition to the point of being known as «one of the most beautiful ships in the world«. In addition, it remains the oldest ship in service of the Italian Military Navy.
Fifteen years later, in 1946, the Vespa. Initially conceived as an economic vehicle to facilitate mobility in post-war Italy, it ended up becoming one of the country’s greatest industrial successes and a cultural phenomenon recognized on practically all continents, as we all know.
For the moment, this Vespa Amerigo Vespucci It is not part of any limited series nor is it planned for commercialization. This is a unit created expressly to accompany the sailboat during its presence in New York and reinforce the image of Italy in one of the most important international nautical events of the year.
