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LOT 377

c.1953 Piaggio Vespa 125cc Registration no. not registered Frame no. VM19061933 Engine no. 062101VMM

Sold for £1,955 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 377

c.1953 Piaggio Vespa 125cc
Registration no. not registered Frame no. VM19061933 Engine no. 062101VMM

c.1953 Piaggio Vespa 125cc
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. VM19061933
Engine no. 062101VMM

Along with the rival Lambretta, the Piaggio-built Vespa mobilised an entire generation of Italians in the immediate post-war years, and the hitherto humble scooter would go on to become part of 1960s youth culture as favourite transport of the fashion-conscious 'Mods'. The end of hostilities in 1945 had left many companies that hitherto relied on military contracts looking for alternatives, Piaggio among them. Forbidden by the Allies from resuming his aviation business, Enrico Piaggio instructed his chief designer Corradino d'Ascanio to design a scooter, for which he believed a potential market existed, particularly among women. d'Ascanio's aviation background meant that he was well versed in techniques of stressed-skin construction, and these were deployed in creating the Vespa's monocoque chassis, a revolutionary development at the time. The name 'Vespa' (wasp) is said to have been inspired by the buzzing sound made by its single-cylinder two-stroke engine. Since its introduction in 1946, millions have been made and countless different versions come and gone, yet the Vespa of today remains recognisably related to the first one made 70 years ago. Classic? Most definitely.

There are no documents with this particular Vespa, which is offered for re-commissioning/restoration and sold strictly as viewed. A total of 36,872 kilometres (approximately 22,900 miles) is displayed on the odometer.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

There is a Typenschien offered with this Lot.

Additional information

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