Antwerp - Sahara (via Palermo-Tunis): the "how to"-guide
Over the French Alps in second gear (using the San Bernardo pass for example)
From 1954 until 1962 Vespas were also produced in Belgium. The following is an article published in the 'Vespa Club' magazine of January 1955:
Brussels - Every twelve minutes a new Vespa is born!
Starting from the 1st of January Vespa scooters are fully assembled in Brussels, Belgium by local company 'Motor Industry S.A. (M.I.S.A.)'. A totally new production unit is currently under construction in the center of Brussels, in the Uytenhove Street in Jette. It covers an area of about 12.000 sq/m and will consist of an administration building and big production halls housing the most up-to-date assembly and painting lines.
A special railroad will connect the factory to the national rail network, enabling the finished Vespas to be immediately loaded into special wagons and delivered directly from the factory to the distributors. The scooters will be tested on an adapted test track by certified specialists from the Piaggio company of Genova.
The Vespas assembled by the M.I.S.A. are destined to be sold in Belgium, the Belgian Congo, the Netherlands and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
On this delicious Vespa day,
With sunshine like a smile in spring,
Rides the Vespaman clad in white,
The driver of time,
At raging speed on his scooter,
Without pause and always forth
Into the streets of Bruges, and never tired
Towards Knokke, beautiful town at sea.
May this day of bright sunshine,
Be a promise for Vespa Club Bruges.
