Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tuesday 8th July from 1pm
Auction: Wednesday 9th July from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1964 Vespa GS160 Mk2
Extremely original
Estimate
£2, 500 - £3, 500
Registration No: Unregisered
Frame No: VSB1T 50187
Engine No: VSB1M 50371
Original throughout as purchased
One owner from new
Original West London registered GS160
Launched in 1962 the GS160 was quite a departure from the earlier 150 version and marked the beginning of the new era of the more powerful and many would say more reliable Vespas. With a larger cylinder and clutch the engine case being altered and with spare wheel mounted on the left side of the body. Almost every internal engine part was changed and a different air box and carburettor were used. This necessitated even wider engine cowls than the 150 and the most pleasing and the widest (yet still rounded) ‘behind’ ever seen on a Vespa. Overall with a fairly blistering performance of 8. 9 HP and with rounded design features that hid the spare wheel and internalised the luggage the GS160 is regarded by many as the pinnacle best combination of Vespa performance and style. The Mk 2 differed from the Mk 1 by using a large inside leg shield toolbox.
Our vendor bought this scooter new from Scooterways of Kensington High Street, London in June 1964. He had admired a particular car, a Hillman Imp which he had seen in a two tone black and silver colour scheme and requested his new scooter be supplied in the same colours. He then used it on a daily basis from 1964 until 1970 from his home in Putney, London to Berkeley Square where he worked as an advertising man for JW Thompson, one the leading agencies of the time. He explained that he wasn’t a mod but of course had to dress very smartly. In 1970 he bought a car and the scooter was parked up momentarily and only occasionally used until he moved in 1973 to the Sussex countryside (he rode the scooter there) and the scooter was then parked in the garage and did not see the light of day again until now. The scooter has what our vendor describes as ‘usual London knocks’ and we do note that there has been some reparation of the leg shield at some point. He did also not out the the front fender was replaced by a later one. However a great history and an extremely original machine all over.
The scooter still has its original RF60 log book. And supplied with MOTs from 1970 from Chelsea Scooters of The Kings Road and Scooterways of Kensington High Street. The registration number is not on the DVLA system which means it has not been reallocated and regaining the number with the RF60 and the supplied 1971 tax disc should be a formality. The reserve has been set to sell! Great opportunity.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
