There are some LEGO sets that shout for attention, massive UCS Star Wars models, towering modular buildings, intricate Technic supercars. Then there are sets like LEGO Creator 40517 Vespa that quietly charm you from the shelf.
This is one of those sets.
At Redmond’s Forge, we currently have four sealed copies of 40517 Vespa in stock, and after building and displaying it, I can confidently say this is one of the most elegant small-format display models LEGO has released in recent years.
Set Overview
- Set Number: 40517
- Name: Vespa
- Theme: Creator – small display model
- Piece Count: 118 pieces
- Scale: Minifigure scale display model
- Includes: Display stand and printed nameplate
Unlike the larger 10298 Vespa 125 (which is a full-scale display piece), 40517 is a compact, highly stylised version designed primarily as a set to gift to people in 2022. It’s small, yes, but that’s exactly its appeal.
First Impressions
From the moment you open the box, you realise this isn’t just a quick throwaway build. The shaping is thoughtful. The curves are clever. The proportions feel right.
The Vespa is built in a vivid red colour, an instantly recognisable nod to classic Italian styling. The colour choice gives it both that nostalgic Riviera holiday aesthetic, or Ferrari zoom red. It feels summery, relaxed, and timeless.
For just 118 pieces, the designers have managed to capture:
- The rounded front fender
- The curved leg shield
- The iconic rear engine housing bulge
- A tiny black seat
- A rear-view mirror
And importantly, it doesn’t feel blocky.
The Build Experience
This is a short build, around 20–30 minutes depending on pace, but it’s satisfying.
The shaping techniques rely on clever part usage and subtle layering rather than complex SNOT engineering. The front curve especially is achieved with smooth slopes that create a convincing scooter silhouette without overcomplicating the structure.
Because the piece count is low, the build flows quickly. That makes this set perfect for:
- A relaxed coffee break build
- A LEGO gift for someone new to the hobby
- A display piece to break up larger builds
At Redmond’s Forge, I love sets like this because they act as visual “palette cleansers” between large Star Wars UCS builds or modular construction marathons.
Display Value – Where This Set Shines
Let’s be honest, this is primarily a giftable display model for a desk.
It sits at a slight angle, almost like it’s being presented in a showroom, elevateing it from “toy” to “collectible”.
On a BILLY bookcase shelf in the LEGO Museum setup, this looks fantastic:
- Between Creator Expert vehicles
- In a small automotive section
- As part of a travel-themed display
Because it’s compact, it doesn’t demand space, which makes it very useful for museum or retail display layouts.
I could easily see a small “European Icons” shelf emerging at Redmond’s Forge with:
- Vespa
- Fiat 500
- London Bus
- Volkswagen Beetle
It adds character without crowding.
Accuracy & Design Details
Is it perfectly accurate to a real Vespa? No.
Is it recognisably Vespa from across the room? Absolutely.
The rear bulge is key, without that, the silhouette wouldn’t work. LEGO has captured that asymmetry nicely. The handlebars are simple but effective. The small printed nameplate (Vespa) is a classy touch that reinforces the display-first intention.
The proportions feel right at minifigure scale, even though it’s not designed for a minifigure to ride. This is intentional, it’s a model, not a playset.
Collectibility & Secondary Market
Because 40517 was originally aimed at a giftable market, it doesn’t have an added collectibility factor, although it has just become a retired set.
Historically, retired sets tend to:
- Hold value well if sealed
- Become harder to source over time
- Appeal strongly to completionist collectors
Smaller promotional vehicle sets especially tend to have steady demand. They’re affordable entry points for collectors who may not want to commit to larger €50–€300 display sets.
With four sealed copies currently in stock at Redmond’s Forge at original RRP – €10, this is the type of set that:
- Makes a great impulse purchase
- Works beautifully as a birthday gift
- Appeals to both LEGO collectors and Vespa fans
Who Is This Set For?
This isn’t for someone looking for a long build. It’s not for someone seeking Technic complexity. It’s not for minifigure play.
This set is ideal for:
- Display collectors
- LEGO vehicle fans
- Vespa enthusiasts
- Gift buyers
- Completionists
It’s also perfect for someone starting a LEGO display shelf in an office or home workspace. Small sets like this often become conversation starters.
Comparing It to Larger LEGO Vehicles
If you’ve built larger LEGO vehicle models, you’ll notice this is more stylised and simplified. But that’s not a flaw, it’s a design constraint that has been handled beautifully. In many ways, this set is closer in spirit to LEGO Architecture-style minimalism than to full Creator Expert vehicle realism. It captures the essence rather than the engineering. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you want.
Value Assessment
Because this wasn’t a promotional set, and has just retired, pricing can vary depending on secondary market demand.
From a retail perspective at Redmond’s Forge, the key factors are:
- Sealed condition
- Perfect as a gift
- Retired set
- Vehicle icon appeal
Smaller display GWPs tend to perform steadily rather than explosively, they’re safe, stable collectibles rather than speculative spikes.
If you’re buying this:
- It’s a charming display piece
- It won’t take up space
- It’s unlikely to disappoint visually
If you’re collecting long-term:
- Buy 2, build 1, keep 1 sealed.
- Sealed copies are preferable
- Displayed copies still hold value due to low piece count and easy reassembly
Final Verdict
LEGO Creator 40517 Vespa is a small set with big charm.
It captures one of the world’s most recognisable scooter designs in just 118 pieces, and does so with elegance. It’s refined, balanced, and display-ready straight out of the box. In a LEGO world dominated by ever-growing piece counts and increasingly complex builds, there’s something refreshing about a set that knows exactly what it is: A stylish miniature.
At Redmond’s Forge, this is the kind of set that quietly enhances a shelf rather than dominating it. With four sealed copies currently available, it’s an ideal addition for collectors looking to add a touch of European design flair to their LEGO display.
Rating
- Build Experience: 7/10
- Display Value: 9/10
- Collectibility: 8/10
- Overall: 8.5/10
If you’re looking for something elegant, compact, and undeniably cool, the 40517 Vespa delivers.
And sometimes, understated is exactly what makes a LEGO set special.