Emma Cook Thu, May 21, 2026 at 5:00 a.m. UTC 5 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The design classic has featured in iconic Roman films and artworks (Emma Cook) “Hold on tight!” shouts my driver Matteo as we accelerate into the chaos of rush hour Rome. Great advice, except I can’t see exactly what to hold on to. As his Vespa lurches forward, panic rises. Slicing through lanes of traffic, my body is rigid and I struggle to stay upright.