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
1977 Vespa 50R EV Conversion
Fitted with a Retrospective Electric Engine Conversion
Estimate
£4, 500 - £5, 500
Registration No: VDV 854S
Frame No: 151641
MOT: October 2026
Previously subject to restoration work
Fitted with a Retrospective Scooters Electric Motor Conversion
Registered as a 49cc with UK V5C
Piaggio’s success with their Vespa scooters throughout the 1950’s had started to slow down by the early 1960’s, and it was clear that something would have to be done if the machine were to survive. New rules and regulations in Europe hindered who could qualify for a motorcycle license, however anything under 50cc was exempt from these rules, so Piaggio decided to capitalise on this.
Introduced in 1963 as the ‘N’ or ‘Nuovo’, the Vespa 50 was launched, and filled a space in the market for a more elegant machine than the mopeds that had dominated the sub-50cc category. It was one of the last designs of Corradano D'Ascanio, the designer of the first Vespa, and became a huge success for Piaggio, becoming their overall top selling model of all time. The 50 went through many improvements throughout its production, although the very last PK50 models were notably similar to the very earliest machines in all but styling.
More information to follow.
** 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).
