The Goodwood Revival 2026 is set to celebrate Italian design and culture with a themed focus on La Dolce Vita during the event.
The roots of the celebration, which will centre on the Turning Circle near the Gate 2 entrance, lie in the Vespa scooter’s unlikely beginnings in 1946. When Piaggio’s experimental MP6 prototype was first fired up, its small 98cc engine emitted a sharp, buzzing note that caught the attention of company founder Enrico Piaggio. He famously likened the sound to that of a wasp – vespa in Italian – a passing observation that would soon become one of the most recognisable names in motoring. Designer Corradino d’Ascanio embraced the nickname, giving the new scooter its identity and launching what would become an enduring brand.
Born in the aftermath of World War Two, Vespa emerged at a time when Italy was rebuilding both its infrastructure and its confidence. D’Ascanio’s solution was a radically practical two-wheeler: compact, lightweight and easy to ride, yet visually distinct from anything that had come before. Its straightforward engineering and everyday usability made it an ideal answer to post-war transport needs, helping it spread rapidly across towns and cities.
As the decades passed, Vespa outgrew its original purpose as simple transportation. By the early 1950s, global advertising positioned the scooter as a statement of personal freedom and modern living, most notably through the rallying cry “Vespizzatevi!”. In Britain, that sense of style and individuality resonated strongly with the Mod movement of the 1960s, where the Vespa became a defining accessory, linking fashion, music and urban culture with Italian design flair.
The brand will reach its 80th anniversary next year, a milestone that will be recognised at the Goodwood Revival 2026. The event will feature a parade of more than 300 pre-1967 Italian scooters and motorcycles, spanning marques such as Vespa, Lambretta and Ducati. Together, they will form a moving showcase of colour, craftsmanship and character, celebrating the lasting impact of Italian two-wheeled design on global motoring culture.
The parade will take place across the Goodwood Revival 2026 weekend as part of the track-opening proceedings. The wider event programme includes a schedule of 15 races, all of which are set to run exclusively on sustainable fuel.
More details on the Goodwood Revival 2026 can be found here.
