Vespa Daniela

The original Vespa was designed by Piaggio employee Corradino D’Ascanio, an aeronautical engineer with a knack for designing helicopters. In an attempt to translate his know-how to the road, D’Ascanio was commissioned by Ferdinando Innocenti to design a simple and sturdy vehicle. After quarreling with Innocenti about materials, D’Ascanio took his design to Enrico Piaggio and produced the first Vespa scooter in 1946.

The Vespa is an Italian design icon, and in the hands of Portuguese carpenter Carlos Alberto, it received a one-of-a-kind makeover.

Undeterred, Alberto found support from members of his motorcycle club and started work on making a wooden bike in February 2001. A friend and owner of a drugstore where Alberto was going to buy materials suggested he try to make a wooden “wasp” (“Vespa” is Italian for “wasp”).