Description
64
1959 VESPA DOUGLAS 152L2 • GENUINE DEALER SPECIAL
REGISTRATION: 644 NKK OWNERS: 3 Previous From New
YEAR OF MANUFACTURE: 1959 MILEAGE: Approx. 27, 500 Original
DELIVERY DATE: February 1961 NUMBERS: Matching Frame & Engine number's
A Genuine Surviving Time Capsule
Manufactured in 1959 at the historic Douglas factory in Bristol, this spectacular 152L2 is a living testament to
British scootering history. Unlike heavily reconstructed or modern retro-styled builds, this machine boasts
only 3 previous owners from new across more than six decades. It left the showroom floor with a
remarkably rare dealer configuration that remains beautifully intact today, preserving a level of genuine
historic character that simply cannot be replicated.
The Lexport Motorcycles 'Dealer Special' Package
Purchased in February 1961 from the authorised Vespa main dealer Lexport Motorcycles (19a London
Road, Bromley, Kent), this scooter was ordered with a premium bespoke period package. These are not
modern aftermarket additions—this highly unusual specification defines how the vehicle has stood since
1961:
• Original Factory Brightwork: Built with signature chrome side panels, a chrome mudguard, and a
chrome headset.
• Period Enhancements: Delivered new with authentic whitewall tyres, an original Florida bar, and period
front and rear luggage racks.
• Untouched Patina: The original chrome and brightwork have deliberately been left un-restored. Every
surface has been carefully cleaned and treated to arrest aging while locked in its genuine 65-year
accumulated character.
Original Period Equipment & Mechanical Status
The vehicle proudly retains an array of increasingly irreplaceable, original period features:
• Security & Trim: Features its ultra-rare original steering lock complete with its original key.
• Core Components: Rides on its original wheels and utilizes its rare original factory exhaust system.
• Mechanical Refresh: Starts, runs, and rides exactly as it should. The 125cc engine underwent a
comprehensive rebuild approximately three years ago—receiving brand new piston rings, precision
bearings, and fresh seals—covering minimal mileage since.
Sympathetic Preservation Philosophy (Over £900 Invested)
Recent investment focused strictly on making the scooter robustly roadworthy and structurally sound
without destroying its historical integrity. When the original floor mat deteriorated and was removed,
lifting some period paint beneath, the decision was intentionally made to treat and seal the solid floor rather
than applying modern paint to hide its narrative. Recent preservation work includes:
• Deep Clean & Protection: Comprehensive structural detail and surface rust preservation treatment.
1959 Vespa Douglas 152L2 .
Last service October 2026.
CLASSIC BRITISH VESPA
1959 Vespa Douglas 152L2
VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: Douglas (Kingswood) Ltd,
Bristol, England
Engine: 124cc Single-Cylinder
2-Stroke
Model / Type: 152L2 / British
Specification
Transmission: 3-Speed Hand Shift
(Handlebar)
Frame & Engine (Factory
Matching)
Original
Mileage:
~27, 500 Verified Miles
THE "LEXPORT" DEALER SPECIAL PACKAGE
Purchased brand new in February 1961 from the prominent main dealer Lexport Motorcycles located at
19a London Road, Bromley. This scooter was delivered with a highly distinctive, period-correct Dealer
Special enhancement package, setting it apart from standard factory models.
• Signature Chrome Accent Work: Equipped from delivery with premium chrome-plated side panels
and a matching chrome front mudguard.
• Upgraded Headset Assembly: Features a brilliant chrome headset casting, elevating the scooter's
front profile.
• Metropolitan Heritage: Handed over to its original custodian residing on Breakspears Road,
Brockley, SE London, where it spent its formative years.
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS & CULTURE
• Mods & Rockers Era: This vehicle is believed to have been showcased as a prime historical survivor
in a dedicated 'Mods and Rockers' heritage display at the Margate Museum.
• The 'NKK' Sisterhood & Silver Screen: Registered sequentially alongside its direct sister scooter,
643 NKK. That identical sibling machine famously made a screen appearance in the acclaimed 1965
British psychological thriller film Bunny Lake is Missing, directed by Otto Preminger.
• Preservation Work: Meticulously maintained and treated to a comprehensive £900 preservation and
mechanical refresh to fully safeguard its exceptional running order and original structural patina.
