Beschreibung
This Vespa VBB 150 has some excellent provenance and an interesting history. Having left Italy in 1961, this Vespa landed on the sunny shores of Vietnam where it spent the next 59 years before being exported to the UK for it's Belgian owner to ride back to Belgium and join his bike collection. However, plans changed during the Covid period and it stayed with its current custodian who managed the full import procedure and registration alongside his own Honda 67 that was also imported at the same time. It is being sold on behalf of the Belgian owner. The V5 is currently in the name of the custodian and will be sold to you with a bill of sale and of course the V5. The number plate requires drilling and fitting and it still wears its Vietnamese number plate. Which I'm sure will make a lovely memento.
I have known this Vespa since 2010 and helped organise its servicing, repair and restoration by an ex colleague and renowned Vespa and Lambretta restorer known as Mr. Chi. I myself worked for ScootRS for several years alongside Mr. Chi and the standard of his work is second to none in Vietnam. Unfortunately, ScootRS is no more but I retained the services of Mr. Chi who took this scooter back to bare metal and resprayed in 2 pack paint with this amazing Ferrari red (No pesky Health and Safety rules in Vietnam). At the same time, the engine was stripped down, rebuilt, new cables laid in and a 12v flywheel and stator conversion fitted. The scooter was re-painted 6 years ago and is solid. No bubbling or raised paint. No slabs of filler laid under it. This was done properly. It retains the original 8" wheels which add to the value of these in the eyes of a collector.
I have ridden this scooter numerous times and it rides beautifully. The best thing is how reliably this scooter starts after being laid up. It has NEVER failed to start even after a year of not being used. It's amazing. A proper 2 kick scooter. It spent most of its life being ridden around Saigon where you can hardly exceed 40mph due to traffic conditions. It has not seen a salty road its entire life.
Needless to say, the scooter is 61 years old. They need simple servicing from time to time but are remarkably tough. It's with its original matching engine cases. No PX engine substituted in. This is a VBB1 meaning the very earliest of the VBB range.
If you already know or have owned a Vespa or Lambretta, you will know that these are not fast as standard. You are looking at cruising along between 40mph and 50mph in 4th gear. Push beyond that and you are asking alot of them. They are 2 stroke and need some understanding of adding 2% of 2 stroke oil to each fill up. Don't add a little extra to help 'lubricate' things more as it will likely hurt rather than help you. Stick to 2% and this scooter will out-live us all. I am willing to share my email address with the buyer should you require any advice post purchase on servicing or other questions. Pop over to Vietnam and I'll happily have a beer with you and talk scooters!
Engine number: VBB1M 56364
Chassis Number: VBB1T 54990
VRM 864XVN
My very good friend, Dave, is looking after the Vespa and he is in Hertford. He is happy to help people to see the scooter but does not have a licence to ride it around and take you on a test ride. It is also SORN. I'm sure something sensible can be agreed in terms of testing to make sure it runs through the gears well and is as described. That being, an excellent condition scooter that is safe and road-worthy.
Video of the bike running can be sent to you. The engine is zingy and sweet!
