Registration No: WXG 156
Frame No: 11227863
MOT: Exempt

• Multiple show winner
• Conservation by Maskes Vespa Classics at a cost of over £3000
• Matching numbers

The first time a Vespa was seen in Great Britain was on the stand of motorcycle manufacturer Douglas at the 1949 Motor Cycle Show. The scooter was discovered in Italy by Douglas Motorcycles managing Director Claude McCormack when the company was in the hands of the official receiver. The Vespa presented itself as a solution to the British companies problems and a deal was made with Piaggio to begin production of the Vespa under licence in Bristol in England starting with the ‘Rod model’ launched in March 1951. The ‘Rod’ model was slow to market and featured the same eternal design as the 1949 Italian ‘Bacchetta’ save for the position of the head light. Douglas were that far behind in development terms launching a year late and only producing 300 scooters per month by 1952. The result in todays international collectors market is that British built Douglas Vespas have in recent times emerged with a really special rarity and collectibility status. Only 11,848 Douglas Vespa Rod models were produced from April 1951 and 1954. It is believed only around 100 survive*.

Our vendor discovered this scooter on a farm near Stoke on Trent approximately 12 years ago. With original paint and complete, it was only on the road for 3 years last being used in 1955 before being dry barn stored according to the tax disc on it when found. With period accessories and embellishers it has rare parts such as fuel measuring cup and gauze filter. Present are the original hand grips and the extremely rare original black bakelite control switch. Conservation was entrusted to Vespa expert Peter Maske in the Netherlands with instructions not to alter the originality. It now performs perfectly but is completely standard as original. The rear carrier and leg shield trim are also as original. Even the original Pirelli tyre it was discovered with is used as a spare. Registered with V5C with a reissued number it is ready to be enjoyed.

A multiple award winner including: Best original Scooter at the Bridlington National Scooter Rally 2016, SLUK top scooter of 2016, Best in show at the VCB Croft circuit annual 2016. It has also been used by the legendary Paddy Smith as the subject of one of his patches for Vespa World Days 2017. Original oil cans and aforementioned trophies are included.

It was discovered on a farm near Stoke 12 years ago in a ‘pure’ state, in original paint and complete. It transpired that the scooter was only on the road for 3 years, last being used in 1955, before being ,dry barn, stored according to the tax disc on the scooter when found. With period accessories and embellishers it also has rare parts such as the fuel measuring cup and gauze filter. Also present are the original hand grips and the extremely rare to see original Black Bakelite control switch. The conservation was entrusted to global Vintage Vespa expert Peter Maske in the Netherlands with instructions not to alter the originality at all. The result is that the scooter is now performing perfectly but is completely standard as original. Registered with a V5C on the road with a reissued number it is ready to be enjoyed. The scooter has since won multiple awards at various shows. Supplied with the lot are the original oil cans as seen in the photographs and the aforementioned trophies.

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