VESPA SCOOTERS ARE THE COOLEST WAY TO TRAVEL!

The Vespa  has evolved from a single model motor scooter manufactured in 1946 by Piaggio & Co. S.p.A. of Pontedera, Italy to a full line of scooters and one of seven companies today owned by Piaggio.

From their inception, Vespa scooters have been known for their painted, pressed steel unibody which combines a complete cowling for the engine (enclosing the engine mechanism and concealing dirt or grease), a flat floorboard (providing foot protection), and a prominent front fairing (providing wind protection) into a structural unit.

Post World War II Italy, in light of its agreement to cessation of war activities with the Allies, had its aircraft industry severely restricted in both capability and capacity.

Piaggio emerged from the conflict with its Pontedera fighter plane plant demolished by bombing. Italy's crippled economy and the disastrous state of the roads did not assist in the re-development of the automobile markets.

Enrico Piaggio, the son of Piaggio's founder Rinaldo Piaggio, decided to leave the aeronautical field in order to address Italy's urgent need for a modern and affordable mode of transportation for the masses.

In 1944, Piaggio engineers Renzo Spolti and Vittorio Casini designed a motorcycle with bodywork fully enclosing the drivetrain and forming a tall splash guard at the front.

In addition to the bodywork, the design included handlebar-mounted controls, forced air cooling, wheels of small diameter, and a tall central section that had to be straddled. Officially known as the MP5 ("Moto Piaggio no. 5"), the prototype was nicknamed "Paperino" (either "duckling" or "Donald Duck" in Italian).

Piaggio was displeased with the MP5, especially the tall central section. He contracted aeronautical engineer Corradino D'Ascanio, to redesign the scooter.

THE US LINCOLN HIGHWAY IS THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP!

Lincoln Highway’s Origins

In 1912, Carl Fisher, the entrepreneur who had founded the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, thought America needed a coast-to-coast highway. When the project appeared stalled, Henry Joy, the president of Packard Motor Car Co., suggested naming the road after Abraham Lincoln, a move that reignited support for the project.

The 1913 dedication of the highway made it the first national memorial to Abraham Lincoln. It was built during an era of highways that had names only; the numbered system replaced this in 1926 and the Lincoln Highway, over the protests of its founders, was divided among numerous numbered routes. Originally running 3,389 miles, the route was shortened over the ensuing 9 years to 3,142 miles -- its length today. For a wealth of information on the highway and play-by-play driving instructions see the Lincoln Highway Association’s website.

RETRO 1959 CHEVROLET VIKING SHORT BUS RESTORED!

Will Winkelman of Winkelman Architecture was asked take this messy old bus and turn it into a mobile guest bedroom. This RV based guest bedroom sleeps 2 people either as a queen bed or a pair of singe beds. This RV remodel was given all the modern amenities such as toilet, sink, and even power! The bus was also designed to transport up to 12 passengers if the need arose.

BEFORE RESTORATION

 

Photography: Winkelman

Millwork / Cabinetry: Linekin Bay Woodworkers

Interior Design: Vince Moulton Interiors

Comprehensive restoration of a 1959 Chevrolet Viking short bus. Designed to safely travel 12 passengers and driver on the road, it converts to guest quarters for two as two single beds or joined in the center as a queen. Complete with plumbing (toilet and sink) and power (120v and 12v)