Introduced with much fanfare in Milan a year ago, the 2014 Vespa 946 is proof that the legendary Italian brand can reinvent itself when it comes to styling.

Limited to 3,600 units, the 2014 Vespa 946 is named after the MP6 prototype created in 1946. Drawing inspiration from a steel unibody architecture, it actually combines aluminum with leather in what turns out to be a highly coveted, uniquely styled luxury scooter. The floating seat is reminiscent of the spring seat on early Vespas.

Photo: Vespa

The headlight, rear turn signals, and LED taillights remarkably integrate into the entire sleek package, although the rear lights happen to be quite low. The ultra-narrow rear section contributes to a tapered design that's beautifully straightforward. Vespa designers clearly picked form over function -- clean, sensuous styling instead of everyday practicality (underseat storage is basically nonexistent). The front panel is capped off by a handlebar-mounted circular headlight with a built-in LCD gauge cluster.

What gets the 2014 Vespa 946 moving is an air-cooled, 125cc, four-stroke, three-valve, single-cylinder engine. To slow it down, you have a pair of disc brakes backed by ABS for extra safety. This scooter rides on 12” wheels, maintains a low centre of gravity, and offers a short turning radius -- specs that hint at a very nimble and manoeuvrable machine in the city.

The 2014 Vespa 946 comes in two different colour schemes; the White body/Red seat combo will inevitably catch the attention of drivers and bystanders.

Vespa Canada will have to convince the folks at Transport Canada that the 2014 Vespa 946 is good enough to land here, which seems likely since it debuted in the U.S. at New York's famous BVLGARI store last October. Look for it at Vespa retailers in the three major Canadian markets (Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver). As for the price, expect to shell out close to $10,000 -- it is a work of art, after all.