The Vespa 50N was the basic 50cc variant of Piaggio’s most popular scooter, introduced in 1963 and intended primarily to be sold in large quantities to Italian youths who could ride such a vehicle from the age of fourteen upwards with no licence or vehicle registration.

Introduced alongside a slightly better equipped 90cc version, the 50N was a complete revision of the existing Vespa design featuring side panels that were integral with the monocoque. 

This involved fewer pressings, meaning less cost and less weight. The piston was inclined allowing for a shorter wheelbase, while the front suspension was a miniaturised version of the GS160 layout with combined spring and damper. 

The bodywork – with pronounced ridges in the sides and on the mud- guard – defined Vespa style for years to come.

The 50N was an immediate success, an entire extended family of Vespas evolving from its basic design.

This one was bought in Italy by its owner from a scooter specialist in his local village – he has homes in Italy and the UK, and brought the Vespa across to the UK last year to use for shopping trips in Cambridge City Centre, where he lives.

All of the import documentation and duties have been paid and the Vespa is UK registered and road legal. 

In Italy, it was never registered as sub 50cc motorcycles didn't need a registration, so the owner had it MOT’d and got a letter of authenticity from the vintage motor scooter club in order to register it in the UK. 

It also comes with its original Italian logbook – a fascinating artefact – and has recently been fully serviced by a motorcycle specialist in Cambridge. 

It also comes with a copy of two photographs taken of the original frame, prior to its restoration in Italy.

The owner commissioned the scooter specialist in his local Italian village to completely rebuild the Vespa from a bare shell, so it has been comprehensively restored. 

It’s still in marvellous condition having been used only for light duties since it was completed. 

There’s one small mark on the right hand outer fairing where the vendor’s son caught his bike pedal on it in the garage, but otherwise it’s fabulous with all of its original badges and trim and a new seat.

The Vespa’s single-cylinder engine has an unmistakable sound and the vendor reports that it runs well.

He says it is very easy to ride and it has just received a service and check-over from a well-respected motorcycle specialist in Cambridge to ensure it is in good working order for its next owner.

This is a reluctant sale due to the owner’s imminent house move away from the city, where the Vespa will no longer be practical. 

It’s a really charming thing and a great example of a restored 50N in original specification, and looking very cool in its unusual but authentic colour scheme.

It’s lovely!