Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
29th Mar, 2023 12:00
1952 Vespa Douglas Rod Model
Estimate
£3, 500 - £4, 500
Registration No: Unregistered
Frame No: Not visible
Engine No: 0425274
CC:125
MOT: Exempt
Most hard-to-find original parts are present
In running order
Very rare early model dated* at April 1952 * VVC Veteran Vespa club
Great opportunity to finish to a superb standard
The first time a Vespa was seen in Great Britain was on the stand of motorcycle manufacturer Douglas at the 1949 Motor Cycle Show. The scooter was discovered in Italy by Douglas managing Director Claude McCormack when the company was in the hands of the official receiver. The Vespa presented itself as a solution to the British company’s problems and a deal was made with Piaggio to begin production of the Vespa under license in Bristol in England starting with the ‘Rod model’ launched in March 1951. The Rod Model was slow to market and featured the same eternal design as the 1949 Italian ‘Bacchetta’, save for the position of the headlight. Douglas were that far behind in development terms, they launched a year late and had only produced 300 scooters per month by 1952. The result in today’s international collectors market is that British-built Douglas Vespas have, in recent times, emerged with a really special rarity and collectability status. Only 11, 848 Douglas Vespa Rod Models were produced from April 1951 and 1954 when the Model G arrived with its cables. It is believed only around 100 Rod models survive*.
With this example, one needs to look beyond the first glance. We present here a self-restored 1952 Rod Model with most of the hard-to-find parts present. Our vendor informs us he has owned the scooter for around 10 years. With what appear to be original panels throughout it presents well. The handlebars and rod connectors, levers, headlight rim and many other parts are the originals that the vendor had re-chromed. Extremely hard-to-find parts also include the original ‘fish’ exhaust, which he purchased as original NOS, the plastic Douglas leg-shield badge insert appears to be original, with the Black aspect having peeled off over the years. We were unable to see the chassis number but believe it should be there under the thick paint. Other important parts, such as the original speedo drive, carburettor and engine are all present and we have seen the scooter ‘running’. This Rod Model could be finished off with a correct speedometer, seat and a few other details. With further improvement it could offer a new owner possession of a very rare, desirable and valuable machine.
