The first Vespa prototype is produced in Pontedera and marketed immediately. After a somewhat tepid initial response from the market, sales begin to take off and soon the product is an unprecedented success: within ten years a million units will have been produced and meanwhile, expansion into foreign markets becomes an immediate priority.

Whilst Vespa export growth continues, new products are developed: 1948 is the year of Ape, a key contributor to the resumption of commercial activity in the period of national reconstruction. The following year sees the creation of Moscone, a small and innovative outboard motor.