Vespa announces the launch of the Vespa Officina 8, a special‑edition scooter that takes its name from Officina 8, the experimental department within the Piaggio plant in Pontedera, Italy.
Established in 1944, Officina 8, operated as a dedicated experimental workshop where a select team of engineers, designers, tinsmiths, and mechanics collaborated away from regular production lines to develop new concepts, test prototypes, and refine engineering solutions through continuous assembly, dismantling, reworking, and rigorous road testing under varied conditions, ensuring each component met standards of functionality, reliability, and ease of use before reaching production.
By 1946, experimentation within Officina 8 culminated in the patenting of the Vespa, introducing defining innovations such as the step‑through steel frame, two‑stroke engine, direct‑drive transmission and handlebar‑mounted gear control, which together established a new approach to personal mobility; as Piaggio’s research and development efforts expanded through the late 1940s and early 1950s, Officina 8 grew in scale and significance, continuing to test and refine models while becoming synonymous with innovation, precision and craftsmanship.
The newly-launched Vespa Officina 8 reflects this heritage through a clear and functional design language. The steel body is finished in matte metallic Blue Officina 8, a colour developed specifically for this series and inspired by the tools, machinery and workwear of the original workshop. The metallic rivets and the brass and aluminium tones on the body add warmth to the design. The scooters is available in 125cc and 150cc.
Speaking about the launch of Officina 8, Mr. Diego Graffi, Chairman and MD, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd said, “The Officina 8 represents a significant chapter in Vespa’s journey. By way of these periodic special-edition products Vespa, keeps adding value and differentiate itself.
This special‑edition series pays homage to the craftsmanship and spirit of the original Officina 8 workshop while also introducing high-end merchandise in India. The exclusive Blue Officina 8 finish, paired with refined brass accents and a curated range of unified accessories elevates the Vespa beyond mobility into a true luxury‑lifestyle expression. With this launch, we reaffirm Vespa’s luxury positioning in India and set the tone for the next era of iconic, distinctive design.”
The spirit of innovation that birthed the Officina 8 continues beyond the vehicle. Piaggio also introduces a line of dedicated high end merchandise and accessories that complement the ride and the rider conveying a unified sense of design. The industrial blue of the Officina 8 finds it place in these Officina 8 accessories and merchandise. The helmet which comes as a standard with the scooter, matches the scooter’s colour aesthetic. And for those who appreciate function as much as form, can choose to invest in a Top Box that is finished in the same industrial matte tone as the rest of the machine. Riders can also choose from a line of high end merchandise of windbreakers, hoodies, T-shirts, backpacks and key chains carrying Officina 8 insignia directly honouring the legacy of the team from that workshop in Pontedera.
Above all, every Officina 8 rider will receive a complimentary welcome kit with their machine. Specially crafted in tin, it also contains an owner’s book that traces the Officina 8’s roots to the vision, ambition and dedication that originally crafted the Vespa some eight decades ago. With the Officina 8, Vespa ventures beyond mobility and makes a statement on lifestyle, character, luxury and freedom through this symbol of heritage and craftsmanship.
Priced from INR 1.34L (Ex-showroom, Maharashtra), the Vespa Officina 8 comes with a matching helmet as a standard and is now available at select Vespa dealerships across India.
