For 2014 Piaggio have finally announced the new Vespa Bellissima, which if it looks familiar is this year’s ‘version’ of the Vespa 946. If like us you didn’t realise, after it’s launch the 2013 model was subsequently named the Ricordo Italiano, allowing Piaggio to make a few tweaks and tease us all with another limited edition Vespa.
Expected to hit our shores late summer (Italy generally closes down for holidays throughout August), the Bellissima has a few changes from the previous edition, most notably the colours which ain’t a bad thing as last year’s black in particular did nothing to accentuate the beautiful lines of this scooter. The Bellissima will be available in either Metallic Grey or Midnight Blue, and it will also feature a single seat on it with the option of a pillion perch (see photos below), again helping to show off its beautiful curves.
Other features of this year’s Vespa 946 include the rear luggage carrier coming as standard, previously it was only available as an accessory.
Here in the UK we’ll get it fitted with Piaggio’s 125cc 3 valve 4-stroke engine (as used in the new Vespa Primavera) and Sprint models, while Europe and the USA will have the extra oomph of the 150cc version.Both will feature Piaggio’s traction control (ASR) and anti-lock brakes (ABS).
Of course there is also the question of price, which last year was around £8,500 and this year is likely to be even higher as these things always work like that.
Mind you, the photo below from the Vespa website does suggest who the clientele they’re aiming at is. And it’s not us – we don’t have the money or suitable property to go around spending upwards of £8.5k on a scooter to hang on a wall!
For further details visit the Vespa Ltd website.
