Beschreibung
H&H Classics @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Wednesday 12th July, 2023 | From 9am
1954 Vespa VL1T custom M244 Quattrini
Estimate
£7, 000 - £8, 000
Registration: 309 XVU
Frame No: VL1T6560
Engine No: VSE1M0293036
MOT: Exempt
Impressive custom creation by Claudio Cattaneo
A subtle blend of old and new
25hp with possibility to upgrade to 40hp
Only 300 miles recorded since restoration
V5C and ready for the road
The Piaggio industrial group was devastated by the consequences of World War 2. Amongst the projects muted to rescue the company was an idea to help mobilise the Italian public with a new transport concept ‘The motor scooter’. From the first appearance of the Vespa in 1946 it was such a success that it has become a symbol of taste, fashion and style and one of the favourite global design icons of all time.
We present here an intriguing custom vintage incarnation based on an early 1954 example of an Italian VL1T ‘Struzzo’ and a performance 244cc Quattrini engined conversion of a VSE1M Rally 200 engine. There are many impressive innovations throughout. The ‘Struzzo’ immediately followed the last of the Faro Basso models retaining their classic lines and wasp-like shape but with a headlight mounted on the handlebars. The Vespa Rally was a high-performance scooter noted for its impressive speed and superb handling.
This project, commissioned by the vendor, took 18 months to complete and was carried out in entirety by renowned Italian customiser and restorer Claudio Cattaneo. The Struzzo scooter and Rally engine were both sourced directly in Italy. Many original parts were retained including: Original frame and body panels were not modified in shape except for a modification to the front mudguard, enabling it to accept the upgraded front shock, original SIEM headlight housing and glass, original handlebar assembly, original Piaggio Genova front badge, original Vespa scroll badge - taken back to the brass, original style control switch, original inline spare wheel holder with custom made leather strap adapted to 10 inch wheel and original style floor runners correctly installed with correct period rivets.
The new and customised items are extensive and carefully designed to fit with the brief: The powerful Quattrini 244cc kit was installed in the original Rally 200 engine case with uprated 4 speed gearbox, clutch and gaskets - all BGM, Pinasco 26mm carburettor, SIP hydraulic disc brakes, BGM Pro Supercharger shock absorbers front and back, 10 inch BGM polished alloy tubeless wheels, SIP performance exhaust, SIP 120km/ h digital speedometer/ rev counter, 12v electronic throughout, LED rear light, brake light innovation switch at the rear wheel, secret security ‘kill switch’ located in the under-seat former carburettor tool box, custom made Quattrini 244 badges on front and side panel to match, ingenious use of a Lambretta choke lever under the seat front and PX spoked front wheel. The seat was custom-made for the scooter by Streamline of Denmark.
Finished in Pearl Olive Black paint, this M244 Quattrini is currently set up at around 25hp but, we are informed, with the ability to be tuned up to 40hp. Our consultant was able to ride the scooter at the time of consignment and, in his words, it was very quick. In very presentable condition this scooter is registered for the road with V5C.
