Vespa MP6

Prefix: MP6

Vespa MP6  MP6
Vespa MP6
Last updated: 2025-11-25 10:02:23
Rarity Index 100/100
Legendary

Factory Colours

No factory colours recorded yet for this model.

Factory Primers

0 options

No factory primers recorded yet for this model.

year & frame ranges

  • 1946 MP6
    1,001 – 1,059
    production 60 unit

Introduction

The Vespa MP6 was a pivotal prototype in the history of the world-famous Italian scooter. It was the second prototype developed by aeronautical engineer Corradino D'Ascanio and was presented in September 1945.


It was this specific prototype that, upon its viewing, inspired the now-iconic name "Vespa" (meaning "Wasp" in Italian), which reportedly came from Enrico Piaggio's exclamation upon seeing its shape.


The MP6 was developed from the earlier MP5 "Paperino" prototype and was designed to be simple, economical, and easy to operate. Although the MP6 itself never went into mass production, its design and engineering served as the direct basis for the first commercial model, the Vespa 98, which was introduced in April 1946. In essence, the MP6 is the true precursor to all production Vespas.

Model Details

Model
Vespa MP6
Produced In
Italy
Production (est.)
60
Frame Prefix
MP6

Engine & Performance

Engine
2-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Displacement
98 cc
Bore × Stroke
50.00 × 50.00 mm
Top Speed
50 km/h
Transmission
3-speed

Chassis & Dimensions

Frame Type
Monocoque stamped steel body
Tyre (Front)
3.50x8?
Tyre (Rear)
3.50x8?
Brake (Front)
Drum
Brake (Rear)
Drum
Suspension (Front)
link arm + coil spring
Suspension (Rear)
rubber-block pivot

Data can vary by market and year. Please contact us if you spot an error.