80 years of Vespa: Playmobil brings the icon into the children's bedroom
Three collector's models for the anniversary – a gift and introduction for the next generation
The Vespa will be a proud 80 years old in 2026 – and Playmobil is bringing the scooter icon into the children's bedroom with three collector's models. A lovely gift for young and old fans, and a playful introduction for the next generation.
An icon turns 80
Some people's love of two wheels starts early. With a balance bike, with their first kick scooter – or with a little plastic Vespa puttering across the living room floor. You have to make the puttering sound yourself.
Patented in 1946, the Vespa has long been a design icon and, for many, the epitome of summer, freedom and lightness. Around 20 million examples have rolled along the roads of the world since then.
Three collector's models for its birthday
To mark the anniversary, Playmobil is releasing three collector's models of the scooter icon – less toy accessory than a small homage:
- Cream: Vespa with a basket and newspaper, plus a classically dressed figure
- Silver: Vespa with a spare wheel at the rear and a figure with a retro helmet
- Light blue: Vespa with a female rider figure
It also includes stickers featuring the 80-years logo and a historic patent date for the number plate. Each set costs 14,99 Euro – a lovely little present, a gift for young (and old) scooter fans, and a great way to introduce the next generation to the subject in a playful way.
From toy to real scooter
Anyone who pushed a Vespa across the carpet as a child might one day be sitting on a real one. And if play eventually turns serious: you can now find the real models – from the Vespa Primavera 125 to the Vespa GTS 300 – in our catalogue too. No pressure, no stress. For now, you can just make puttering noises.
Conclusion
My impression: this is exactly the right kind of birthday gift. No frills, but a lovingly made homage that fits just as well in children's hands as on a collector's shelf. And if a little plastic scooter is someone's first encounter with the world of two wheels, then that is a rather lovely start.
Source: Playmobil press release for the 80th Vespa anniversary (Playmobil Newsroom, mynewsdesk).
