(Left) Marshall Plan funding helped the Vespa Piaggio plant near Pisa, Italy, boost production of its stylish postwar motor scooters. (Right) Vespa celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2006.

Italy’s Vespa was inspired by tiny U.S. motor scooters used by American paratroops in Italy in World War II. The trendy scooters were sensible, economical transportation for postwar roads. Their unique Italian charm also highlighted a main feature of the Marshall Plan, which was to promote local industries, not turn Europe into a dumping ground for American products. In 1947, Vespa production was 2,500 scooters, and customers had to wait months for delivery. Production jumped to 10,000 scooters in 1948, then 20,000 scooters in 1949 and 60,000 scooters in 1950. In all, Italy received $1.5 billion in Marshall Plan funds. (National Archives)/ (© AP Images)