1965 Vespa SS180
Eddy Grimstead 'Hurricane' tribute

Registration No: TEU 239C
Frame No: VSC1T0014951
MOT: Exempt

• Imported and subjected to a full restoration in the early 2000's
• Liveried as a tribute to an Eddy Grimstead Hurricane
• Paint, chrome and seat all finished to a high standard
• Offered with history file and V5C registration document

PLEASE NOTE: This lot was inspected at the weekend and given fresh fuel along with a carb service. The vendor describes it as 'Ready to ride'

The Vespa SS180 introduced in 1964 was at the time the fastest production model Piaggio had ever made. Competing with Innocenti’s Lambretta TV200 (and later SX200), it was essentially an updated GS160. The SS retained 10-inch wheels and four gears, but the piston-ported engine was uprated from GS specification and now sported an enlarged cylinder capacity of 181cc, which delivered 10hp and allowed the SS to motor on to 65mph. The SS also finally dropped the unreliable battery-coil ignition of the GS, returning to Magneto ignition. Styling improvements included a trapezoidal headlight which it shared with smaller sisters the GL150 and 125. Around 35,700 were produced between 1964 and 1968 and today they remain highly sought after, with many considering them to be the ultimate swinging 60’s mod machine.

During the mid-1960’s, numerous dealers of the Vespa and Lambretta marques popped up around the UK, offering the discerning mod his/her choice of paint schemes and liveries to reflect their own individual taste. The most famous of these dealers was East London based Eddy Grimstead, who’s machines are credited to have been at least the most influential, if not the most desirable in period. Customers could order special colourful metallic schemes, with chromium plated panel-work to enhance the look of their machine, which would then be adorned with a plethora of accessories and often a deafeningly loud sports exhaust to ensure everybody knew the rider was approaching.

Imported in the summer of 2002, this delightful example of the top-of-the-range SS180 was subject to a full restoration by its then owner, David Ilsley. Ilsley opted to have the scooter liveried in full Eddy Grimstead ‘Hurricane’ style regalia, with chromium plated mudguard and side panels and a contrasting metallic paint colour over the original Piaggio Grey, just as it would have been done in the 1960’s. The SS would then be fitted with a custom seat and remade Ulma style mudguard bar, double legshield trim and florida bars to complete the look, plus remade Vigano style ‘jag-lights’ were mounted to the sidepanels. The original 180cc engine was subjected to an overhaul, and its original SI 27.23 carburettor was also refurbished.

Having been used extensively over the years and being a feature at several scooter rallies across the UK, the vendor acquired it in 2015 and has enjoyed it whilst maintaining it to a high standard. It is now offered for sale complete with a history file that includes several copies of original Grimstead advertising plus a current V5C.

For more information, please contact:
Oliver Fernyhough-Martin
oliver.fernyhough-martin@handh.co.uk
07483 361000