Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 1
1966 Vespa 150 Super VBC with Sidecar Frame no. VBC1T 31487
Sold for US$19,040 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 1
1966 Vespa 150 Super VBC with Sidecar
Audrain Concours Auction|29 September 2023, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1966 Vespa 150 Super VBC with Sidecar
Frame no. VBC1T 31487
Frame no. VBC1T 31487
177cc 2-Stroke Single Cylinder Engine (see text)
Del'Orto Carburetor
6bhp at 5,200rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
2-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Beautifully restored
*Fun for the whole family
*Top of the line model
*Classic 1960s Mod-style
THE VESPA 150
The end of hostilities in 1945 had left a number of 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. "Just like Henry Ford put the workers on wheels in America," Enrico Piaggio told Newsweek, "we put automotive transport within the reach of people who never expected to travel that way." Since its introduction in 1946, millions have been made and countless different versions come and gone, yet the Vespa of today remains recognizably related to the first one made 60 years ago. Classic? Most definitely.
THE SCOOTER OFFERED
The fine example of the iconic Vespa offered here was built during arguably the most desirable part of the decades-long production run, where the classic design remained largely unaltered, but performance had been significantly improved. Propelled by an enlarger version of the 150cc engine—this one punched out to a fire breathing 177cc—and equipped with 4-speeds and ten-inch wheels, these mid-sixties examples move along very well. Finished in a classic sky blue and white paint with a white leather saddle, the 150 is outfitted with chrome guards, desirable twin saddle seating arrangement, and a rear mounted spare tire. For a bit of added fun and charm, the Vespa is equipped with a matching sidecar—allowing for additional room for another friend or an overflowing bounty of wine, cheese, and prosciutto for a picnic. The subject of a recent restoration by a marque expert, it is reported by the seller to have been rebuilt mechanically and electrically and tuned to run on a pre-mix of 50:1 gasoline to oil. Beautifully presented throughout, this classic Italian offers fun transportation for three in great la dolce vita fashion.
Del'Orto Carburetor
6bhp at 5,200rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
2-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Beautifully restored
*Fun for the whole family
*Top of the line model
*Classic 1960s Mod-style
THE VESPA 150
The end of hostilities in 1945 had left a number of 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. "Just like Henry Ford put the workers on wheels in America," Enrico Piaggio told Newsweek, "we put automotive transport within the reach of people who never expected to travel that way." Since its introduction in 1946, millions have been made and countless different versions come and gone, yet the Vespa of today remains recognizably related to the first one made 60 years ago. Classic? Most definitely.
THE SCOOTER OFFERED
The fine example of the iconic Vespa offered here was built during arguably the most desirable part of the decades-long production run, where the classic design remained largely unaltered, but performance had been significantly improved. Propelled by an enlarger version of the 150cc engine—this one punched out to a fire breathing 177cc—and equipped with 4-speeds and ten-inch wheels, these mid-sixties examples move along very well. Finished in a classic sky blue and white paint with a white leather saddle, the 150 is outfitted with chrome guards, desirable twin saddle seating arrangement, and a rear mounted spare tire. For a bit of added fun and charm, the Vespa is equipped with a matching sidecar—allowing for additional room for another friend or an overflowing bounty of wine, cheese, and prosciutto for a picnic. The subject of a recent restoration by a marque expert, it is reported by the seller to have been rebuilt mechanically and electrically and tuned to run on a pre-mix of 50:1 gasoline to oil. Beautifully presented throughout, this classic Italian offers fun transportation for three in great la dolce vita fashion.
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