Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tuesday 28th October from 1pm
Auction: Wednesday 29th October from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1957 Vespa ACMA 125 V58
Estimate
£3, 500 - £4, 500
Registration No: VYJ 523
Frame No: 283462
MOT: Exempt
Rare model in the UK
Engine number 294240
In fine running condition we understand
V5C registered in the UK
ACMA was formed by a group of investors in France led by Prince Marc de Beauva-Craon in May 1950 with the intention of licensing the Vespa from Piaggio. The company was well capitalised and swiftly set up a large factory at Fourchambault near Nevers in a huge defunct aviation factory. The relationship between Piaggio and ACMA was close from the beginning and scores of Italian engineers were sent to France as advisers during the set up of the license between the two companies. ACMA was initially a very successful enterprise passing the 100, 000 units sold mark as early as 1954 and even manufacturing a small car the Vespa 400. Despite all of the early success the company faced a series of setbacks at the end of the 1950s. Declining scooter sales was the main issue.
Douglas Motorcycles, the British Vespa licensee based in Bristol, England had no such issues and struggled to keep pace with the demand at the end of the 50s. We have consulted with the VVC historian on this matter. It is known that in the late 50s Douglas purchased a number of ACMAs to plug the demand gap and we believe this example to be one of these. The reason for that is that it is stated on the British V5C that the engine number is a Douglas type VIN of the era of a 1957 42L2 model. It is highly probable that it was necessary to issue a Douglas VIN to sell it in Great Britain. On examination and with clear numbers we can see that it is a genuine ACMA engine of the same period and that the body parts are typical of the ACMA 58 model. . However it also has what appears to be a genuine Douglas front centre badge and an original Veglia MPH speedometer as opposed to a km/ h version.
Our vendor informs us that he bought the scooter 2 years ago from a friend who had owned it for 15 years. He had acquired it from John Balcombe of JB Tuning, a very highly regarded scooter expert based in Southend. The scooter as we understand is in standard engine format, presents extremely well and is adorned with some tasteful accessories.
** 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).
