Didi Group and Vespa Malaysia have unveiled a new chapter in the brand’s local journey with the debut of Casa della Vespa in Penang, anchored by the official launch of the Vespa Officina 8 — a limited-edition model that pays homage to the workshop where the Vespa legend was born.
Situated in the heart of Penang, where cultural heritage and contemporary lifestyle intersect, Casa della Vespa is conceived as more than a showroom. It is a curated brand destination that brings together Vespa’s design philosophy, historical legacy and community-driven lifestyle under one roof.
The setting mirrors Vespa’s enduring ability to balance tradition with reinvention, offering an immersive environment that invites visitors to engage with the brand beyond mobility.
At the centre of this experience is the Vespa Officina 8, a special edition inspired by the historic Officina 8 within the Piaggio factory in Pontedera, Italy. Established in the years following World War II, Officina 8 was home to Piaggio’s Experimental Department — an exclusive and highly confidential space where designers, engineers, craftsmen and test riders collaborated to shape the future of Vespa. Many of these specialists came from the aeronautical industry, bringing with them advanced technical knowledge and a bold, experimental mindset.
It was here that the first Vespa prototypes were conceived, engineered and rigorously tested, laying the foundation for the brand’s unmistakable silhouette and engineering philosophy.
Officina 8 also produced some of Vespa’s most celebrated achievements, including record-breaking machines that set world speed and endurance records in the early 1950s, as well as competition models that dominated gruelling off-road events.
Every vehicle created within the workshop was meticulously handcrafted, combining cutting-edge technology of the era with refined Italian style — a balance that would become Vespa’s defining trait.
The Vespa Officina 8 brings this heritage to life through a carefully curated combination of colours, materials and finishes. The special edition is offered across two of Vespa’s most iconic models: the youthful and agile Vespa Sprint 150, and the more muscular, sport-focused Vespa GTV 300, distinguished by its low-mounted headlight and exposed handlebars.
Both models feature the exclusive Blu Officina 8 paintwork — a deep industrial blue with a matte metallic finish that evokes the atmosphere of historic workshops filled with lathes, vices and grinding wheels.
This distinctive body colour is contrasted with elegant satin-finish metal accents, including aluminium details on the shield and lighting surrounds, as well as brass elements on the steering cover grille and wheel rims. The rims themselves are further enhanced with a diamond-cut finish, adding visual depth and craftsmanship.
A recurring symbol throughout the Officina 8 edition is the iconic blue-and-brass “Piaggio 8” pin, originally worn with pride by technicians working within the Experimental Department. Reimagined in modern form, it appears as a three-dimensional badge on the rear of the scooter — a subtle yet meaningful nod to the passion and skill that defined the original Officina 8 team.
Attention to detail extends to the seating, with a dual-upholstered saddle featuring horizontal heat-sealed stitching, contrasting double seams and polished brass rivets. On the Vespa GTV Officina 8, a rigid body-coloured seat cover comes standard, inspired by classic Vespa racing fairings and reinforcing its sportier character. Matte black components and bar-end mirrors complete the purposeful aesthetic.
Each Vespa Officina 8 is delivered with a dedicated welcome kit housed in a collectible tin finished in the edition’s signature colours. Inside is a specially curated Owner’s Book that traces the history of Officina 8 through original archival material, offering owners a deeper connection to the legacy behind their scooter.
Complementing the launch is a dedicated Officina 8 apparel and accessories collection, inspired by industrial workwear and designed for everyday use.
According to Didi Group, the launch of Casa della Vespa in Penang alongside the Vespa Officina 8 reflects a commitment to celebrating Vespa’s heritage while evolving the brand experience for modern riders.
Casa della Vespa Penang will be open to the public from 20 December 2025 to 28 February 2026, with Melaka announced as the next destination. The Vespa Sprint Officina 150 is priced at RM22,000, while the Vespa GTV Officina 300 retails at RM37,900, available through Vespa authorised dealers nationwide.
