Piaggio Vespa Primavera

The Vespa 125 Primavera ET3 is one of Piaggio's most sought-after smallframe models. The ET3 (electronic 3-channel ignition) was introduced in the mid-1970s as the sportiest evolutionary stage of the Primavera series.

The original Primavera appeared in 1968 as a more powerful version of the 125cc smallframe models. The aim was to appeal to a young, sporty audience - particularly in Italy and Germany, where 125cc was an important driving license category.

With the ET3, Piaggio introduced electronic ignition, which ensured more reliable starting behavior and more stable engine running. The air-cooled single-cylinder two-stroke with 3 overcurrent channels developed around 7 hp as standard - enough for lively city riding.

But the ET3 was always more than just its standard performance. It became an icon of the tuning scene. Polini, Malossi and other Italian manufacturers developed cylinder kits, exhaust systems and carburetor solutions that turned the small Vespa into a serious fun machine. A cleanly tuned 18 hp setup - as on this vehicle - catapults the Smallframe into a completely different league.

Visually, the ET3 remained classic: slim frame, rounded lines, narrow mudguards. It was light, agile and mechanically simple - a concept that makes it extremely popular to this day.

In the 1980s, it was gradually replaced by the PK model. However, collectors consider the ET3 to be the last “real” sporty Primavera.

Today it is a cult. Restored models with subtle tuning are particularly highly regarded - because they combine the lifestyle of the 70s with modern performance.