The early 1960s was a strange time for scooter manufacturers and in particular Innocenti. Apart from Piaggio’s Vespa, the company had all but seen off the rival competition with those that still existed no longer posing any real threat. However, the glory days of the late 1950s were looking more and more distant as sales began to slow. This phenomenon didn’t just affect Innocenti, all two-wheeled manufacturers were experiencing the same fate as better wages allowed families to buy a car that was far more practical. Although sales were still strong enough to support the company, something new was required to move with the times.
The price is right
As had always been the case, the real threat to Innocenti came from Piaggio. When
