The immortal Vespa has just celebrated its 75th anniversary, during which time it has produced over 19 million scooters and has become a style icon the world over.
The worldwide demand for the Vespa was such that in the 50’s it was manufactured under license in 13 countries and sold in 114.
This is a rare opportunity to bid on a lovely original example of this timeless classic, complete with matching sidecar.
This Vespa 125cc Scooter was first registered with its sidecar in Valencia, Spain in May 1959. It is believed to have had only 2 previous owners, with the previous owner having it for over 30 years.
There is some uncertainty about where this particular example was built under license, but it would probably been made either in France or Spain. The current owner does not have the definitive answer.
Imported from Spain into the UK in 2016 by the current owner, the engine and gearbox were stripped down and rebuilt with mechanicals all round being thoroughly checked and re-commissioned as necessary by the Vespa specialists Retrospective Scooters Ltd.
Many cables, gaskets bushes and oil seals were replaced as required, and some bar-end battery push indicators were added for road use.
It was then registered fully in the UK as an Historic vehicle with the non-transferable age-related registration number of 957 UYR.
The current owner has recently fully serviced the Vespa and has used it sparingly over his years of ownership mainly for short local fun rides and recreation.
Condition overall is pretty good, with the paintwork and chrome having stood the test of time well and now showing a beautiful patina across it's fabulously 50's colour scheme.
There are a few scratches and scuffs in the original cream and paintwork here and there but there is no major damage to the bodywork but it is by no means immaculate.
The seats are in good shape, all the lights are free from any cracks, but some of the chrome fittings and trim are beginning to show their age, but this all adds to the general originality and character rather than detracting from it.
The running boards are a bit marked and scuffed in places and there are a few scratches to the underside, but for a sixty-year-old machine it is in great overall condition with a patina very much commensurate with its low mileage and use.
The wheels and tires look very good and all the switchgear functions correctly, though the stop light on the sidecar is currently not working.
Mechanically things don’t get much simpler than a Vespa and this one has had considerable attention paid to the mechanical side of things having had a full engine and gearbox rebuild.
The scooter starts easily, and the engine sounds sweet and revs smoothly, so this is a bike you, and a couple of friends, can just ride away on.
With the Vespa’s classic colours and its beautiful stylish lines, it’s hard to miss and it certainly stands out from the crowd with its rare matching sidecar, bringing a smile to all who encounter it on its travels.
For its age this Scooter is in great condition and ready to ride and should provide the next owner with years of classic three-wheel motoring fun.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1959 Vespa 125cc and sidecar
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