I always loved the classic, retro lines of the Piaggio Vespa. My first tryst with one, like almost every other Indian, was in the movie Roman Holiday, the Gregory Peck/Audrey Hepburn. But the moment I decided to have one was last year, when I visited Europe for the first time. There's nothing quite like seeing a red Vespa zoom down the Champs Elysees — the grace and elegance with which they moved. I saw them elsewhere, too. In a little village of the Netherlands, a couple in Brussels, Belgium, etc. It was then that I decided, one day, I will own a Vespa.
The feeling wasn't mutual, I think. The Vespa, or rather Piaggio India, didn't want me to own one. Since its launch on April 26 this year, I have made several inquiries about it. When the showrooms came to Goa (Veljee Motors in Taleigao, Panjim, and Quadros Motors in Agalli, Margao), I immediately got on to the website and registered for a test ride. No response.
Over the next few weeks and months, I did that continually, re-registering on the website, even sending an SMS to the number on the website, in an effort to get a test ride. There was no feedback from the dealer, Veljee Motors, or the Piaggio India. I should have known, then, that such a non-responsive company would be a complete bitch to deal with after I actually bought a scooter. I guess it was my bad.
The first time I went to the showroom, the test ride vehicle was not there. Strangely, it was kept in a Mahindra showroom nearby, also owned by the family that owns the Piaggio Vespa dealership. The showroom manager told me to come the next morning. I did. The test ride vehicle, a lovely yellow Vespa, rode like silk. Instantly, I confirmed my decision to buy one. He told me a white Vespa would be immediately available, that is, in a day or two, and based on that, on October 15, I visited the showroom with a cheque of the full amount.
Soon, I'll be proud owner of a Vespa.
Nigel Britto,
Panjim, Goa.
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