Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 24th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 25th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1965 Vespa SS90
Owned by Paul Melici, MD of PM Tuning
Estimate
£14, 000 - £18, 000
Registration No: KHH 592C
Frame No: V9SS1T 1840
MOT: Exempt
Rare early SS90 Small Frame Vespa
Fantastic quality nut and bolt restoration
Supplied with a current V5C
The first Vespas, designed by aeronautical engineer Corradino D'Ascanio, were 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. Upon seeing the MP6 prototype for the first time, boss Enrico Piaggio exclaimed, "It looks like a wasp!" effectively naming his new scooter on the spot. The post-war demand for the scooters was so great that licensing agreements were signed with various companies around the world, with the Douglas motorcycle company becoming the UK partner. By the early 1960s most Vespas sold in the UK were manufactured in Italy with the classic curvaceous steel-bodied scooter becoming one of the style icons of the decade. One of the rarer and most desirable models from the period, especially in the UK, is the SS90, with only around 5000 built between 1965 and 1971. Now much sought after by collectors, this stylish model was developed as the sporting variant of the small frame layout. Featuring a distinctive dummy fuel tank and a centrally located spare wheel, the slimmer legshields and foam pad on the tank allowed riders to crouch low behind the headset to reduce drag. A popular model with sporting riders, not many have survived the ravages of time.
This beautiful SS90 has been owned and maintained by Paul Melici, M. D. and founder of the famous scooter specialist P. M. Tuning. A rare model, still with its original engine and frame numbers, it has been subject to a full nut and bolt restoration to a very high standard, with no expense spared. The bodywork has been meticulously restored and the engine refurbished, using Paul's many years of experience, with only 10 test miles done since. A rare opportunity to acquire an SS90 with outstanding provenance to either ride or show. It will be supplied with a current V5C.
** 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).
