Known as 'La Signora della Vespa', the Grand Lady of Vespas, the German born Christa Sobach is one of the biggest fans of the celebrated scooters. Which makes her perfect for her role as president of the F.I.V., the International Federation of Vespa Clubs.
Her association with the Vespa began in 1953, when her father gave her one of the bikes as a birthday present, and she became one of the stars of her town. She almost immediately joined the local branch of the recently formed Vespa clubs, and began a life of weekend trips and international rallies: 'un panino, due mele, e via!': one sandwich, two apples and you were off, she recalls fondly.
Today, Christa is far from putting her days on the open-road behind her. She still takes part in rallies all over Europe: in the past few years she has played a leading part in the EuroVespa meets in Hamburg in Germany, Gerona in Spain and Salonica in Greece.
So what is the enduring appeal of the scooter? Christa puts it down to the original idea of designer, Dottor Enrico Piaggio: to create a method of transport for the people that was fast, cheap and stylish. Created in the immediate post-war years, when cars were still an unattainable dream to all but the very few, the Vespas (named after wasps for their slim form, and not, as you might think, for their familiar buzzing sound) represented freedom and possibility. And taking off at the beginning of what was to become known as Italy's 'economic miracle', the Vespa also became a much-loved symbol of national success and maturity.
Since then, they've gained full iconic status, practically stealing the show in classic films like Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, adding a breath of Italian style and energy to everything they're associated with.
In truth, their main appeal still lies in their practicality. They're the perfect solution to navigating your way round Rome's labyrinthine roads, and nipping through its notorious traffic. And since Italian law now demands everyone on any kind of scooter to wear a helmet, you need no longer feel a fuddy-duddy for taking a little essential cranial protection.
Links
Vespa
Home site of the makers of Vespa.
Vespa Club
Better than the English site, despite the idiosyncratic translation.
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Rome by Vespa