1986 Vespa (Douglas) T5 125 Mk1
One owner from new

Registration No: D980 YPV
Frame No: VNX5T000000019139
Engine No: VNX5M20926
CC: 125
MOT: February 2024

• Bought new by the vendor from Cox Motorcycles of Ipswich
• Fully restored recently at a cost of £4,425
• Collectible ‘fast’ Mk1 model

The 125cc Vespa T5 was arguably the last proper geared sports model Vespa produced. It can trace its raison d’être to the GS150, unique in that it was something other than just a commuter scooter. The P range launched in 1977 was hugely successful and still going strong in the mid ‘80s. However, Piaggio at that time were now sponsoring Formula 1 and giving the winners of each race a brand new Vespa. They needed to keep to the script and hence the T5 was launched in 1985 to maximise the racing 'Pole Position' promotion. It was a stroke of genius and incorporated an advanced 5 transfer port engine (hence the name T5) with a lightweight aluminium barrel and larger 24mm carburettor and a performance exhaust. The gears were also adjusted to cope with this extra power. This 125cc scooter whilst ‘learner legal’ could literally leave the 200cc P range standing in their wake. It was seriously quick and it was literally just what the UK scooterboy fraternity was waiting for. Although criticised by many for its looks with rectangular headlight and plastic fairings the Mk1 T5 has since slipped into 'the hall of scooter fame’ and is now a revered classic. When the T5 Mk1 was abruptly discontinued Piaggio tried to fill the gap with the T5 Classic with its mix of P range and T5 features, but to many, it was never the same and the T5 motor is sometimes described as the best Vespa engine ever built.

Our vendor purchased this T5 scooter new from Cox of Ipswich Motorcycles and it was the first one sold in Ipswich in Gunmetal colour. He had it restored by C and C Autos in 2017 for an eyewatering £4,425 as he genuinely loves the scooter. With a full restoration including blasting and repairing everything and having it repainted in its original Gunmetal colour. The mileage of 24,576 is we are told absolutely genuine. Apart from one indicator bulb we were able to see everything working perfectly, as it should, even down to the beeping indicators. The White seat has some pink stains due to being parked under a tree when birds had just eaten fruit! This could be rectified, as brand new genuine T5 seats are available to buy new. It is only for sale for genuine reasons. And the reason to buy? Could it be reliability, or a 125 with 200 power, or nostalgia? This ‘as new’ T5 could remind you of leaving the dealers with a new one in the late ‘80s. The estimate and reserve are set at an extremely attractive price to sell and, in our opinion, represents a major opportunity.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Diamond
info@vintagescooters.co.uk
07768 313001