At first glance, a collaboration between scooter manufacturer Vespa and the famed Parisian fashion house Christian Dior might seem incongruous. Vespa is celebrated for its affordable two-wheeled transportation for the masses; Dior, meanwhile, aims for the opposite end of the market, tempting the elite with its exclusive haute couture offerings. The Vespa 946 Christian Dior Edition represents just such an unlikely collaboration—and this spectacular, limited-production scooter has quickly become one of the most coveted of modern Vespas.

The spiritual connection between the two companies runs deeper than one might expect. Vespa and Christian Dior were both founded in 1946, and in the decades that followed, each built an enduring, worldwide reputation for leadership and quality in their respective fields. In the process, both Vespa and Dior became bywords for style: There is something effortlessly chic about a Dior gown spotted on the streets of Paris, or a Vespa parked in a seaside Italian town. Created with input from Maria Grazia Chiuri, Creative Director of Dior women’s collections, this special-edition Vespa honours the heritage and legacy of both brands with a simple, elegant black-and-white livery complemented by gold accents. A removable top case and helmet finished with the classic Dior “Oblique” motif complete the visual package.

Beneath the surface, the 946 is no ordinary Vespa. Introduced in 2012, the 946 was praised for its retro-futuristic styling and pioneering use of both aluminium and steel in its construction (a first for Vespa). At its heart is a 125-cubic-centimeter, air-cooled single-cylinder engine well-suited to both city-centre commuting and adventures further afield. It is important to note that the 946 is not currently a standard model in Vespa’s lineup: It is only available in a series of design-focused editions that are offered for a limited time and produced in limited numbers.

Just 946 examples of the 946 Christian Dior Edition were built for worldwide markets, and it is rare to find an example of this special Vespa available for purchase anywhere, at any price. This scooter was purchased new by the consigning owner in July 2021, acquired via Selfridges of London. It has not been used nor registered for the road and its odometer reads zero miles. The Vespa is offered for sale with a Dior top case and Dior-logo helmet, as well as delivery literature and materials.