1961 Vespa VBB1

Registration No: WAS 277
Frame No: VBB1T40847
Engine No: VBB1M41130
CC: 150
MOT: Exempt

• Recent full mechanical overhaul at Retrospective Scooters
• Comprehensive history with bills
• Running nicely as seen by our consultant
• Full keys
• Original Italian registration documents confirming correct numbers.
• V5 present for use on UK roads

The Piaggio industrial group was devastated by the consequences of World War 2. Amongst the projects muted to rescue the company was an idea to help mobilise the Italian public with a new transport concept ‘The motor scooter’. Aeronautical engineer Corradino d’Ascanio, normally associated with inventing helicopters, was given the job of designing the scooter. D’Ascanio did not like motorcycles and designed the new vehicle from scratch with a vision for clean reliable personal transport for both men and women. From the first appearance of the Vespa in 1946 it was such a success that it has become a symbol of taste, fashion and style and one of the favourite global design icons of all time.

The VBA/VBB range of Vespas were the immediate successors to the long running ‘handlebar’ scooters of the 1950s and had cast handlebars like the GS. The VBA had a completely redesigned body and engine which formed the basis for decades of future Vespas. The engine was a rotary inducted design which improved reliability and fuel consumption whilst requiring 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. The VBB replaced the VBA in 1960 and increased the gears from 3 to 4 whilst also making some aesthetic improvements to the look including a beautiful clam shape speedometer, alloy leg shield border and GS style rear light. Today the VBB is an appealing Vespa and an appreciating model with so much more to offer than the VBA and the 125 VNA/VNB scooters.

This VBB was originally registered in Bologna Italy on 20th May 1961 we believe originally in a metallic blue colour. The original Italian registration book is present with the scooter and shows Italian tax stamps up until 1980. She was imported and first registered in the UK in 2003. It was then that she underwent a full restoration with a genuine Vespa Piaggio Rally orange colour Giallo Arancio 916 chosen and as she appears a good quality paint process was applied. She has retained many original parts including the KM speedometer and leg shield badges. The previous owner applied for a private registration number for the scooter and when he passed the vehicle to our client he retained the number. 'WAS 277' was then reallocated to the scooter and is a nice 6 digit number in its own right. Over the years she has had little use but been looked after wherever necessary. The very recent 2022 comprehensive mechanical overhaul by Retrospective Scooters cost £1335.00 with too many new parts replaced to list.

This is a lovely appreciating Vespa in a vibrant summer colour, with original documents and substantial history file, running extremely well and very presentable in general.

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