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
1961 Motovespa 150S Mark 1
Estimate
£2, 000 - £2, 500
Registration No: 776 XWE
Frame No: VTT 60538
MOT: Exempt
A very original example fitted with its original piston-ported 150cc engine
Still displaying its original Spanish registration plates
Supplied with a current UK V5C document
The first Vespa, designed by aeronautical engineer Corradino D'Ascanio was produced by Piaggio in Italy in 1946 and proved to be an immediate success, helping the country to get back on its feet after the devastation of WW2. The demand for the scooters was so strong that licensing agreements were signed with various companies around the world, with Motovespa S. A. acting as Piaggio's Spanish licence holder from 1952 until the 1990s. After the Second World War, Spain was isolated under Franco's dictatorship, but the Spanish Fiat representative Spartaco Malandri advised his friend Enrico Piaggio to set up a production plant in Madrid to meet the growing demand for motorised transport, and to bypass the government policy of not allowing the import of goods that could be produced locally. Motovespa initially imported complete scooters from Italy, secretly labelling them with Spanish serial numbers before beginning full production in 1953, still using many parts supplied from Piaggio's factories in Italy and France.
A notably original example of Motovespa's 150S, chassis 60538 was found on its home soil approximately two years ago by the vendor and was subsequently purchased with the intention of restoration in mind. Upon arriving back in the UK, the scooter was made to run and fitted with a VBB / GS style rear light. Found to be remarkably solid and having been subject to new paintwork at some point previously, the vendor opted to register the machine in the UK anticipating using it, but has not had time to use it and therefore it has sat for some time and will now need mild recommissioning.
** 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).
