Last week we cast some light on the history and heritage behind this year's most exciting Vespas, the Officina 8 special edition GTV and Primaveras.
Ever since they were unveiled at this year’s Vespa World Days in Spain, we’ve been itching to set our eyes on the Officina 8 GTV and Primavera special editions. In fact we were so excited that we explored the inspiration behind them in last week’s blog. (If you missed out on that, you can find it Here.) Admittedly, there have been plenty of press releases and studio shots but it’s not until a scooter’s there, in the flesh and in production form that a definite verdict can be delivered. So, when the delivery truck dropped off the first four machines of our order it wasn’t difficult to find enough willing hands to help with the unveiling.
Off with the covers
Once the protective card and wrapping had been removed the first thing to strike us was the colour. Intended to evoke the feel of industrial machinery and blue cotton overalls, the satin finish slightly reminiscent of the Sei Giorni edition of a few years ago; but more vibrant and with a slight metallic hue that pops in the sunlight (Yes, we do get some sun in Barnsley!). Things were definitely off to a good start.
Detail touches
Once off the pallet it was into a showroom for a more detailed look at what makes the Officina 8 stand apart from its stablemates. Mechanically, this is a GTV 310, so there are no surprises under its skin. With this edition Piaggio wanted to pay tribute to the designers of the early Vespas and the workshop, called Officina 8, that the engineers inhabited. As any engineer will confirm, successful design is all about detail and the Officina 8 bursts with them.
Ironically, one thing that hadn’t been too visible in the press releases was the Officina 8 logo, as applied to the scooter. We’re pleased to say this is just on the correct side of subtle. It sits at the bottom left of the glove box lid, clearly proclaiming that this is something special without screaming its importance at passers by. It also sets the tone for the contrast colour, which we’ll admit had made us nervous.
Having been promised trim that would echo the brass and bronze of the Officina 8 pin worn by the development team back in the 1950s, we were concerned that this would translate into ‘gold’, a shade that’s often difficult to carry off. We needn’t have worried. The trim, which features on very visible areas as the wheels, horncast grille and badges is a light shade of bronze, which in our opinion oozes class.
Looking around the machine there are some very neat touches; the seat has plated studs, in keeping with the type of cover used on machines in the 1950s; but the fitted-as-standard seat cowl is very 21st century, as are the bar end mirrors. Yes, bar end mirrors! The first we can recall being fitted at the factory on any Vespa. No doubt those will become very popular as a retrofit item.
See for yourself
We couldn’t wait to get the GTV onto the showroom floor, so you'll notice that in our photos it still requited final assembly but, by the time you read this, it will be ready for inspection, and this is certainly a machine that’s worth seeing in the flesh.
Prices, specifications and more on the Primavera can be found here whilst full details of the GTV can be found here.
Enjoy our unboxing video, and if you’d like to join the exclusive band of Officina 8 owners please visit our showroom or call our sales team on 01226 203377. However, don’t put things off for too long, one of the Primaveras hadn’t touched the tarmac outside our shop before it had sold.
It seems it’s not just us that’s been eagerly waiting for these to arrive…
