Modern Vespa

I was having this discussion with a buddy about what's considered vintage and what's considered classic.

I always thought that 15 years was classic and 25 years was vintage. What say you?

Modern on here is anything that doesn't have a shifter.

+1

As far as Vespas are concerned that's it. I would consider a brand new Stella to be a vintage.

Thanks for pointing them out. I enjoyed the browse but wouldnt "retro" best describe them? Like these:
http://www.everythingmotoring.com/vehicle/motorcycle/2088102/new-lambretta-ln

over on the dark side its kinda like:

Pre-P series scoots,

and then P, PX, etc.

then the clones like Stella and Bajaj.

that lambretta thing is like the new Sprint and Primavera from Piaggio. the name and maybe a far-flung styling marker to look somewhat similar to the original, inspiring retro with modern function. it just plain looks weird.

15 years for a classic? Then my crappy Honda Civic is a classic!

Actually, I think you're thinking of the "antique plates" rules in most states, where it needs to be 25 years old before it can be plated as an antique.

Here in Vespa-land, the P/PX series is the dividing line between modern Vespa and vintage. Even if you have a 2005 PX150 it's probably considered a "vintage" because it uses the basic layout of the classic scooters, 2 stroke, manual shift, kick start, etc etc.

The P series are usually considered classic, where as any model before that would be vintage. This may be because you can still buy the P series in some parts of the world.

Here in Utah, a "vintage plate" requires the vehicle be at least 20 years old. A vehicle "earns" the title classic by being something people recognize as a "classic." In other words, a 1996 Toyota Camry isn't a classic but a 1996 Mazda Miata could definitely qualify. There are enthusiasts for the Miata and as thatwas the first generation of the car, it's like those who drive and collect them will consider it a classic.