Goodwood Revival will host a swarm of Vespas in 2026

It’s going to be an unforgettable sight when around 300 iconic Italian scooters, all of which will be original pre-1967 models to fit in with the Revival era, take to the track each morning of the event. They’ll form part of a wider celebration that will encompass the entire Goodwood site in 2026, as we look forward to embracing the delights of 'La Dolce Vita’ (the sweet life).

On what will be the famous Italian brand’s 80^th anniversary, Vespas will make up the majority of scooters involved in the parade, but they’ll be joined by two-wheeled contemporaries from the likes of Lambretta, Italjet and Iso.

The theme of La Dolce Vita will course through every element of the 2026 Revival, and the romance and passion of Italian culture will spill out onto the Motor Circuit during the Track Opening Parade. It’s bound to be an immense occasion that gets each day of the event off to a colourful and enthusiastic start, as the unmistakable buzz of ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s scooters rings out around Goodwood.

In the aftermath of World War II, Italy as a nation was in a state of shock. The economy was in tatters, and people needed an affordable mode of transport to try and get things moving again.

Two engineers at Piaggio had already started work on a new motorcycle design back in 1944, with bodywork that enclosed the drivetrain and swept up at the front to form a splash guard, but that initial design was rejected by the company.

Enrico Piaggio enlisted the help of an aeronautical engineer by the name of Corradino D’Ascanio, to create a new design. D’Ascanio mounted the engine alongside the rear wheel and incorporated other fresh engineering ideas, such as removing the need for a drive chain. The tall front splash guard remained, and the prototype was officially designated ‘MP6’ (Moto Piaggio 6).

When shown the new design for the first time, Piaggio remarked on its resemblance to a wasp. “Sembra una vespa!” he declared, and thus an Italian icon was born.

The design was patented on 23^rd April 1946, and the Vespa went into production almost immediately. In 1947, 2,500 of them were sold, a number that grew to more than 10,000 the following year, expanding exponentially from that point to more than 60,000 in 1950.

The Vespa was a sensation, a symbol of freedom for a nation that had suffered so much in the years before. Its elegance perfectly personified the Italian style, reviving a culture of romance and adventure, and quite suited itself to exposure in cinema. It wasn’t long until it became a global phenomenon.

Its simplicity also meant the Vespa could be very easily improved and adjusted. Rear suspension was developed for 1948, and it grew to become available with eight different engine options from 50cc to 200cc. There were ‘Sport’ versions, a hugely popular ‘150 GS’ with a double saddle, and by 1966 the Vespa range had grown to feature more than 30 variants.

That variety will be showcased to a great degree when 300 or more Vespas flood the Goodwood Motor Circuit to kickstart three days at the 2026 Revival. We simply can’t wait to soak up the atmosphere of La Dolce Vita.

Tickets for the 2026 Goodwood Revival are now on sale. If you’re not already part of the GRRC, you can sign up to the Fellowship today and save ten per cent on your 2026 tickets and grandstand passes, as well as enjoying a whole host of other on-event perks.

Want to get involved in the on-track parade? If you have a pre-1967 Vespa or other contemporary Italian scooter please register your interest by completing the submission form here, and the team will review your vehicle for consideration.

Photography by Nicole Hains, Toby Adamson, Tom Shaxson and Charlie Brenninkmeijer.