1961 Vespa 'Messerschmitt' GS 150 (GS3 Type 212)

Registration No: 826 XUT
Frame No: VD2TS 31894
MOT: Exempt

• A rare example of the Augsburg built 'Messerschmitt' GS3
• Previously subject to an older restoration
• Registered with UK V5C

The GS (Gran Sport) was the culmination of all of the speed racers and trial versions of Vespa that had come before it, and most famously the ‘Sei Giorni’ or ‘Six Day Racer’ factory racers. The first mass produced sport Vespa to enter the market, the very first VS1 production started at the beginning of 1955 and was a tremendous overall success. Featuring larger 10 inch ‘star’ wheels, 4 gears in a 150cc 8 HP engine, it had a new body design with larger, curvier panels, a new seat and an achingly beautiful new headset. The GS150 was revised numerous times with the VS2, 3, 4 and 5 over the years until it was ultimately replaced by the Vespa GS160 in 1962.

Keen to get in on the act, Messerschmitt – who were famed for their aircraft just like Piaggio during World War 2, had recently taken over the German Vespa franchise from Hoffman and decided to build their own version of the GS 150 alongside their famed tandem-seat microcars. In 1958, the ban on German aircraft manufacturing had been lifted, and Messerschmitt wanted to return to their core product offering, so a new business, Vespa GMBH Augsburg was formed. Continuing production, Augsburg essentially followed the revisions of Piaggio’s GS (VS2, 3, 4 and 5) and added a few parts that were unique to the German built GS 150’s including a seat manufactured by Denfeld and a swan-neck rear light by Hella.

This particularly late example of the German built GS is a GS3 Type 212 variant, which roughly correlated to a hybrid of Piaggio’s VS4 and VS5. Little is known of its early history; however, it was imported to the UK in 2009 and was owned by two keepers until the vendor acquired it in 2025. Evidently subject to a previous restoration, it has been maintained by Retrospective Scooters of North London for the vendor and is said to be in ‘good running order’ on its original-type GS 150 engine, although cosmetically it may require some attention.

Still retaining its original Denfeld seat (which has been recovered in black at some point) and Hella swan-neck light, it is supplied complete with its UK V5C registration document.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430