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LOT 204 *N

c.1958 Vespa 400 Microcar Registration no. Not UK registered Chassis no. 013022 Engine no. 13022

Sold for £5,175 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 204*,N

The Connoisseurs' Collection Part IV
c.1958 Vespa 400 Microcar

c.1958 Vespa 400 Microcar
Registration no. Not UK registered
Chassis no. 013022
Engine no. 13022

Named after its maker Piaggio's immensely successful motor scooter, the Vespa 400 was first shown to the public in Monaco in 1957 and was one of the sensations of that year's Paris Salon. The 400 was a unitary construction two-seater, with space behind the seats for luggage or two small children, and was powered by a 393cc twin-cylinder two-stroke engine mounted at the rear. Like its scooter antecedents, the 400 relied on pre-mixed 'petroil' lubrication, though a more user-friendly system employing a separate oil reservoir and semi-automatic dispenser was soon adopted, while later models enjoyed the convenience of fully automatic lubrication. There was a three-speed (later four-speed) gearbox, hydraulic brakes, and independent suspension all round, while other noteworthy features included rear-hinged doors and a full length folding sunroof.

Finished in white and originally registered in France, this Vespa 400 was purchased from dealer Giovanni Perrone of Rome, Italy in October 2004 for €20,000. The car was running and driving when acquired. There are photographs on file of the Vespa as bought in Italy together with copy magazine articles and shipping paperwork relating to the car's importation into Japan, where it has remained on static display/storage since acquisition. Recommissioning will be required before further use.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Car Department.

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*Import low rate
VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
NNOVA declaration
If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (CARS) to undertake the NOVA on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.

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