27th Mar, 2024 11:00

National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands

 
  Lot 131
 

1960 Vespa (Douglas) 152L2
Original scooter and rare Lilac model

Estimated at £3,500 - £4,500

Lot details

Registration No: Unregistered
Frame No: BA 16208
Engine No: 16208
CC: 125
MOT: Exempt

  • Extremely original
  • Very rare Lilac paint option
  • Excellent very original condition, including paint
  • In good running condition

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 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 152L2 range of Vespas released in 1959 were the immediate successors to the long running ‘tubular handlebar’ scooters of the 1950s and in the UK was the first model made in Britain to have cast handlebars like the GS. The 152L2 came more into line with the Piaggio production style of the VNA and had a completely redesigned flat topped body and engine which formed the basis for decades of future Vespas. Many of the parts were imported from Italy and the 152L2 is unique in that it has a mix of Italian and British made parts. The engine was a rotary inducted design which improved reliability, gave more power but reduced fuel consumption and required less oil in the fuel mix. The carburettor was relocated to a position just above the engine. The whole package was a much more professional looking machine whilst retaining many similar features of the desirable lines of the GS. With a sale price of £131 the 152L2 was regarded as a very reliable machine and could travel at 46mph. They are now becoming increasingly collectible as with most of the Bristol made Vespas.

This 152L2 is in an untouched original condition and in the very rare lilac paint option. The engine is completely standard 125cc with its original exhaust which started up easily at the time of consignment. We could not see any replacement parts except an original correct switch unit. The Veglia speedometer is showing 3,597 miles which could easily be true judging by the overall excellent condition of this scooter. The white Denfield Douglas seat is in excellent condition with no rips or tears. The original paint is extremely good and the original running in transfer is clear. The floor runners are excellent and correct. The scooter is supplied with its original and hard to find windscreen brackets also in the original Lilac colour. There are also original perimeter ‘Florida’ bars fitted. The scooter will need to be registered if to be used on UK roads. This is a very rare scooter in this colour and in such excellent original condition. Please see below video

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

 

Auction: National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands, 27th Mar, 2024

An auction of classic motorcycles & vintage scooters taking place at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, West Midlands. Venue Details

To enquire about entering your classic or performance car into the auction please call our sales office on 01925 210035, email sales@HandH.co.uk or click here: Enter Your Classic Motorcycle Enter Your Vintage Scooter 

All our professional valuations are complimentary and without obligation.

To take part in the live online bidding please click 'Register to Bid | Sign In' at the top of the page  Register to Bid

Viewing

Tues 26th March from 12pm
Wed 27th March from 9am

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All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

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