The 1940’s Vespa Racing Scooters

Success came swiftly for Giuseppe Cau and the Vespa98 Corsa Circuito, winning the 1947 Monte Hill Climb.

Vespa vintage racing models were hand-built and designed specifically to be competitive in race circuits. Piaggio built the race scooters to introduce the Vespa brand to the general public in the hope of creating new customers.

The first race model was built in 1947, and baptized Vespa 98 Corsa Circuito. (Circuit). Corsa Circuito was manufactured in the color red and quickly became better known as the little “fireball”.  Success came swiftly for the red fireball when rider Giuseppe Cau won the 1947 Monte Hill Climb.

Vespa 98 Corsa Circuito

The early sucess lead to the development of two more racing models. The Vespa 125 Corsan with an alloy frame was introduced in 1949,followed that same year by the Vespa Circuito 125.

Vespa 125 Corsa

Both scooters were extremely advanced for their time and were soon winning races at the Catania Etna in 1950. They came in first in in the 125cc class and placed 3rd in the overall standings.

Vespa Circuito 125 – 1949