Designed by aeronautical engineer Corradino D'Ascanio starting in 1946, the Vespa quickly became the flagship product of Piaggio's industrial rebirth after the Second World War. After the launch of the first series, Piaggio developed new models with larger displacement and better performance, and at the end of 1954, in addition to the 125 and 150 GS models, another 150 cc version with less sporty characteristics was introduced. Identified by the prefix VL on the frame, the new model was equipped with a new headlight made of die-cast aluminum alloy, which incorporated the speedometer, while the spare wheel (also available as an accessory) was positioned transversely behind the shield. The most important technical innovation concerns the engine: compared to the previous model, it was decided to introduce a “square” engine into series production, with the same piston bore and stroke (57 mm). This achieved the same displacement with a smaller bore and reduced mechanical stress on the piston pin, connecting rod big end, and engine main bearings. To reduce engine noise when cold, the piston was lengthened by 3 mm at the bottom and equipped with bridges at the base to limit possible deformation of the piston skirt. The cylinder was similarly lengthened at the bottom, and the liner was thicker and also equipped with bridges at the base. The Vespa 150 was produced in three production series until 1956. The third and final of these, called VL3T, differed from the previous ones for its saddle with single-spring rear suspension, a different headlight shape, and the adoption of a new speedometer with a clear bottom scale. It was precisely in this version that the one-millionth Vespa was produced at the Pontedera factory on April 28, 1956, a testament to its great commercial success and the period of significant economic growth between the 1950s and 1960s.

The model on display belongs to the third production series and features various aesthetic modifications resulting from typical 1960s modifications and customizations. It comes from the Palermo Courthouse, where it has been stored since 1968 following legal proceedings. Its museum display is the result of a collaborative project between the Motor Museum and the Palermo Courthouse, launched in 2025 and aimed at protecting and promoting motoring assets of historical interest.

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Technical specifications