There is something about Italian design from the mid 20th Century. It feels classic, and modern at the same time. The Fiat 500 demonstrated it, and now the LEGO Group have announced the year’s Motor Vehicle For Adults (the label formerly known as Creator Expert): the Vespa 125.
I have to admit, this is one of the more elegant vehicle sets for some time, and more so as a Creator Expert syle Motorcycle, rather than a Technic Model. This baby blue motor scooter captures the charm of this classic bike, endeavouring to capture the iconic curves that have seen the Vespa maintain its popularity some 75 years after it was first introduced.
The set will be available from March 1 2022 and cost 169.99 AUD / 129.99 CAD / 99.99 EUR / 89.99 GBP / 99.99 USD. It has 1106 elements, and measures 35 cm long, 22 cm high and 12 cm wide.
But will this set be one to pick up when it is released on the first of March? Lets take a look through the images that capture the details of this model.
These italian vehicles in recent years have been used to expand some of the more obscure colours in the contemporary LEGO Palette: In 2020, the10270 Fiat 500 expanded the palette of elements available in cool yellow. This was followed in 2021 by a recolouring in Light Royal Blue. And we further expand the elements available in this previously extremely limited colour with the release of the Vespa.
The final model is striking in its light bright blue, and it becomes apparent that the shape has only been able to be achieved through the use of some elements that have only entered the range over the last couple of years. If there were 2 elements that have best allowed this model to exist, I would suggest they are the 3×3 quarter circle curved slope- this part has allowed the curves on the fron panel, as well as the front wheel arch to hold its iconic form. I also love the tyres here: there are white walled tyres, as opposed to the Fiat, which use white wheel hubs to achieve the same effect.
The other element of importance is the 2×8 curved arch , which gives us the downward curve behind the rider’s seat. But these are not the only curves of importance: Arches and inverse arches are used to get the shape at the front of the pillar supporting the seat.
While most of the bike is in the light royal blue, the seat, panier and glove box are all in earth Blue (dark Blue)
If you look carefully, you can see some of the magic that designer Florien Mueller have been able to bring to the model, particularly with regard to the inwards angling of the rear panels of the bike.
The shell elements serve to cover over the engine, in all its brick built detail. At well as the shell, we have 1×1 quarter circle tiles, as well as the 3x3x2 2/3 quarter dome elements.
Finally, the helmet and the flowers evoke the feel of the 1960’s
The only thing that really concerned me about the look of the model is the apparent right angle between the foot plate and the front splash guard. In the scooters of the era, this tended to be a 2 cornered transition from horizontal to vertical. However, the viewer is distracted from this by the way that the angle is incorporated in the form of the splashguard itself, using the curved, sloped elements on the front.
Here is the Official Press release:
Get a taste of genuine Italian style with the new LEGO® Vespa 125 model inspired by the iconic Vespa Piaggio. This elegant 1,106 piece set is designed to help style lovers find a moment of mindfulness through LEGO building as they step back in time to create this elegant display piece.
The new LEGO model pays tribute to the original Vespa with its pastel pale blue colour, one of the first colours this Italian icon was made in. Fans can further celebrate the heritage of the set by adding a classic 1960s Italian license plate and the Vespa logo.
Like the original this model is full of beautiful details and sophisticated design touches. From a bunch of flowers in the bike’s basket and spare wheel to the removable engine cover, brick-built engine, kickstand and working steering, this model is sure to be one that is displayed with pride in your home or office to create your own tribute to the always in style, Italian icon.
“Working with the Vespa team to create this stunning automotive masterpiece was an incredible experience. Recreating the details of the original model to celebrate the classic 1960’s Vespa was one of my favourite parts of designing this set. The set offered me a chance to step back in time and let my imagination flow while designing, and we hope the experience is the same for fans.” said Florian Muller, Senior Designer at the LEGO Group.Marco Lambri, Head of the Piaggio Group Design Center: “Working with the LEGO Group was an extraordinary experience, because it brought two dreams – the LEGO brand and Vespa – together, which have the unlimited expressive potential that they offer their fans in common. Two outstanding brands able to span different ages, always able to reinvent themselves because they have the capacity to unite and to build in their DNA. As designers, the challenge was to have the soft shapes of Vespa coexist with the form of LEGO bricks, a challenge I believe we met with flying colours.”
I am intrigued by the design of this model: it evokes a sense of romance and youth that was way before my time, when the world was not necessarily better, but certainly a little simpler. I suspect I will work to get hold of this set over the next few months, so it can sit on the shelf next to the Fiat.The bright royal blue colour palette is expanded with some exciting shapes, and I look forward to seeing just how people come to use these in coming months.
How do you feel about the LEGO Vespa 125? Why not leave your comments below, and until next time…
Play Well!
