Beschreibung
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
12th July, 2023 10:00
1972 Vespa Rally Custom ‘Hot Wheels’
Impressive customisation
Estimate
£6, 500 - £7, 500
Registration No: KVK 625D
Frame No: VSD1T 0025728
Engine No: VSE1M 0070630
CC: 210
MOT: Exempt
UK registered from new Rally 180 chassis
Fully running scooter
V5C and ready for the road
Customisation by Martin Murray
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 launch in 1946 it was such a success that it has become a symbol of taste, fashion and style and is one of the favourite global design icons of all time, The Vespa.
The Rally also known as the queen of Vespas was a large performance step up from the earlier models of the 1960s. The 180 versions were well-received for their performance and appearance. Only 26, 494 were produced before the 200 version replaced it. Generally based on the previous Super Sport the real star of the rally was its new powerful rotary valve engine. With a larger fuel tank for longer journeys and reduction in the necessary fuel mix down to 2% the Rally 180 really was a major improvement on the previous models. Still with classic lines the Rally is considered to be the last of the ‘real metal’ large-engined Vespas. The P range 200 engine was similar to the Rally 180 but with a larger capacity cylinder capable of producing over 10hp and crankcase modifications were made necessary to accommodate that. The P200s featured the Ducati electronic ignition.
This superb customisation was created by Martin Murray who is known for his impressive show-winning scooters. The scooter chassis is a genuine Rally 180 first registered in the UK on 26th September 1972. with its classic lines and on a nice 6-digit registration plate. The engine is an early P200 engine almost identical to the late Rally 200 engines. The remarkable Blue Metalflake paint work and graphics were done by Pageant and the chromed engraving by Pete Robinson. The HPI Check shows the colour change dated at 2021. We can see from the supplied bills that there was a great deal of expenditure on engine parts and that the scooter now has a 210cc cylinder head. The innovative hollow stitched seat which doubles up as the fuel tank was made and supplied by PLC Corse of the Netherlands. We can see that the electronics are the standard Ducati 12v electronic system. It also has a SIP2 exhaust and a Rally 200 headset with ignition switch. The scooter also has brand new Dunlop tubeless Scootsmart tyres.
We can derive some of the early ownership history from the supplied original blue V5. We were able to see the scooter running and our consultant also rode it for some distance with full working functionality at time of consignment. The scooter sounded very good. The impressive paint work is vibrant particularly in the sunshine and is generally flawless except for one small crack on the floor board. ‘Hot Wheels’ would possibly make a great garage mate with any other customised vehicle. A rare and collectible Vespa presented in excellent condition. Needless to say a customisation of this standard together with the original parts used would come with a substantial price tag and the generous estimate represents superb value in our opinion.
