Descrição
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
27th March, 2024 11:00
1965 Vespa (Douglas) Sportique Supreme
Very rare model for restoration or conservation
Estimate
£2, 500 - £3, 500
Registration No: Unregistered
Frame No: 5JD 19623
Engine No: 5JD 19623
CC: 150
MOT: Exempt
The Sportique Supreme is one of the rarest British built Vespa Douglas models
One of the last ever models produced by Douglas in Bristol
Original paint under the overpaint
Original matching numbers
Original Green log book for simple UK registration
The first time a Vespa was seen in Great Britain was on the Douglas stand at the 1949 Motor Cycle Show. The scooter was discovered by Douglas managing Director Claude McCormack when the struggling company was in the hands of the official receiver. The Vespa presented itself as a solution to the companies problems and a deal was made with Piaggio to begin production of the Vespa under licence in Britain starting with the ‘Rod model’ launched in March 1951. Piaggio soon regretted this decision and consequently Douglas under-performed and was several years behind the Italian models until the late 1950’s when parity was almost made. The result in todays international collectors market is that British built Douglas Vespas have in recent times emerged with a special rarity status.
The Supreme was one of three special edition Sportiques made by Douglas in Bristol. The Sportique itself was almost identical to the Piaggio VBB with a reliable 150cc motor using many Piaggio supplied Italian parts and sporting an attractive GS style clam shaped 60 MPH speedometer. The ‘Grand Luxe’ ‘Grand Tourer’ and ‘Supreme’ were all unique designs built from 1962 to 1965. The Supreme was supplied in bespoke silver paint with chrome side panels and front mudguard from new in keeping with the ‘mod’ demand at the time.
This Supreme was originally registered in Taunton, Somerset on 20th April 1964. A new keeper in 1974 a Thomas Cole from Bath and then a John Lewis of Radstock. It has obviously been overpainted but some effort has been made to reveal the original paint and this could be continued. The result could potentially be a unique patina. The chrome panels are still showing some chrome evidence and a similar outcome could be achieved. It is evident that the scooter has had a sidecar fitted in its life and the top fitting bracket is still attached. There is one hole in the floor where the lower sidecar bracket would have been. Other than that it is very solid generally all over. There is a high level of originality including: Douglas D handgrips, original speedometer, lights are original, seat and badges. The front Douglas badge is also original and just needs the remaining overpaint scraped off. The cylinder head and exhaust are missing however there are some parts supplied and replacement parts for these engines arenot difficult to source. This is an extremely worthwhile project and a very rare machine.
