The immortal Vespa has just celebrated its 75th anniversary, during which time it has produced over 19 million scooters and has become a style icon the world over.
The worldwide demand for the Vespa was such that in the 50’s it was manufactured under license in 13 countries and sold in 114.
This Vespa 125cc Scooter was first registered with its sidecar in Valencia, Spain in May 1959. It is believed to have had only 2 previous owners, with the previous owner having it for over 30 years.
There is some uncertainty about where this particular example was built under license, but it would probably been made either in France or Spain. The current owner does not have the definitive answer.
Imported from Spain into the UK in 2016 by the current owner, the engine and gearbox were stripped down and rebuilt with mechanicals all round being thoroughly checked and re-commissioned as necessary by the Vespa specialists Retrospective Scooters Ltd.
Many cables, gaskets bushes and oil seals were replaced as required, and some bar-end battery push indicators were added for road use.
It was then registered fully in the UK as an Historic vehicle with the non-transferable age-related registration number of 957 UYR.
Condition overall is pretty good, with the paintwork and chrome having stood the test of time well and now showing a beautiful patina across it's fabulously 50's colour scheme.
There are a few scratches and scuffs in the original cream and paintwork here and there but there is no major damage to the bodywork but it is by no means immaculate.
The seats are in good shape, all the lights are free from any cracks, but some of the chrome fittings and trim are beginning to show their age, but this all adds to the general originality and character rather than detracting from it.
The running boards are a bit marked and scuffed in places and there are a few scratches to the underside, but for a sixty-year-old machine it is in great overall condition with a patina very much commensurate with its low mileage and use.
Mechanically things don’t get much simpler than a Vespa and this one has had considerable attention paid to the mechanical side of things having had a full engine and gearbox rebuild.
With the Vespa’s classic colours and its beautiful stylish lines, it’s hard to miss and it certainly stands out from the crowd with its rare matching sidecar, bringing a smile to all who encounter it on its travels.
For its age this Scooter is in great condition and ready to ride and should provide the next owner with years of classic three-wheel motoring fun.
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