The storm that devastated the province of Valencia not only took away people, streets, vehicles, homes, businesses, and belongings, but also personal artistic projects in which years of effort, dedication, and excitement had been invested. One of them was the “Vespa Spain Museum,” a unique collection of 35 original scooters manufactured in our country, which was buried under mud in a storage room in the town of Catarroja, just 100 meters from the Poyo ravine. However, this dream refuses to disappear.
The Vespas could not be removed from the garage until December 31st. Being located on the second underground floor of a garage greatly hindered access, prolonging the uncertainty for a full two months. During that time, the motorcycles remained submerged in mud and utter chaos, while their owner, Álvaro Barcia, was unaware of their condition, causing him considerable distress.
The Vespas could not be removed from the garage until December 31st
In the dark basement of a garage, where water and mud reached alarming levels, the collection suffered serious damages. However, amid the devastation, the one who is also the creator and responsible for the project found reasons to keep hope alive. “When I first saw the bikes under the mud, I felt like I was losing something very special, the result of years of work, dedication, and enthusiasm around Vespas. Every bike we pulled out of the mud was a small victory. They are pieces that tell an important part of our industrial design history and cannot be forgotten,” says Barcia.
Image of the recovered Vespas
The director of the initiative explains that “this collection represents the effort of many people: years of work, dedication, time, and financial resources invested with the hope that someday it could see the light.” “Suddenly, overnight, you see how your dream is thwarted and you can't do anything about it. The best news is that we have been able to recover the pieces and we are going to move forward. We appreciate all the help and acts of solidarity that allow us to preserve this historical legacy,” he adds.
This collection represents the effort of many people: years of work, dedication, time, and financial resources invested”
After the tragedy, Barcia, several project members, and a group of volunteers managed to recover a large part of the material. With effort and dedication, they rescued models that, although damaged by the mud, can be restored. “We want to thank the help we received from some heroes who selflessly assisted until the end, even in some cases offering their own vehicle and home to accommodate the pieces that no longer fit anywhere. Their names will be linked to the project for life,” Barcia points out.
Image of the scooters inside the garage
The collection is not just a set of motorcycles; it is a legacy of priceless value, as highlighted by Barcia. From the first factory in Madrid to its relocation and final closure in Arganda del Rey, Spain was the home of the manufacturing of the iconic Vespa for over 30 years. This project consists of precisely 35 original motorcycles from the Vespa brand with a Spanish license, built in Spain from 1946 to 2003, all of them documented or with minimal references, pending restoration.
The Vespa Museum Spain project has a clear purpose: to disseminate, exhibit, preserve, and restore. It also aims to be a catalyst for the Vespa community in Spain, promoting events, documentaries, and news related to these classic scooters. “It is not only for Vespa enthusiasts; it is also for all those who appreciate history, design, art, and the human effort behind each invention,” Barcia points out.
The vespas rescued from the mud
Among the most relevant pieces in the museum are true Vespa world treasures, from a specimen of the first model manufactured in Spain (1953), through several Vespa models from the 1950s, a Vespa 150S and a Vespa 150S Sport model from 1960, as well as the elegant Vespa 160 GS from 1962. Other noteworthy pieces include the Vespa 50 from 1966, several models of Vespino such as the N from 1970, GL, SC, Vale, and AL, in addition to later models like the Vespa 75 PK Primavera from 1978, the Vespa 200 DN, the Vespa PK 125 XL and the Vespa FL used by Correos (the Spanish postal service) during the 1990s, and some rarities like the Vespa Special 50. The collection offers a true journey through the history of Vespa in Spain, with pieces that capture the evolution of its design and technology.
Among the most relevant pieces of the museum are true gems of the Vespa world, including a sample of the first model manufactured in Spain (1953)
Now, the main goal is to find a suitable space for this collection. A place where Vespas can be displayed as they are, awaiting restoration, and where visitors can witness the reconstruction process. “We want the museum to be a living space, where the history and effort behind these machines are celebrated with a new meaning of resilience and survival after the storm,” explains its creator.
Image of the recovered vespas in Catarroja
After the initial cleaning work, Barcia is optimistic: “The motorcycles, after an initial cleaning, are in a better state than expected. This demonstrates the enormous value of the collection and gives us confidence to move forward.” However, the project requires immediate action, as the levels of mud, humidity, and rust are extremely high. “We hope that some institution or space will be interested in this project, as a tribute to the collective effort and solidarity of the vintage car and motorcycle community, which has been greatly affected by this storm,” he concludes.
