1957 Vespa ACMA 125 V58

Registration No: VYJ 523
Frame No: 283462
MOT: Exempt

• Rare model in the UK
• Engine number 294240
• Said to be in fine running condition
• V5C registered in the UK

NOTE: Reserve has been lowered

ACMA was formed by a group of investors in France led by Prince Marc de Beauva-Craon in May 1950 with the intention of licensing the Vespa from Piaggio. The company was well capitalised and swiftly set up a large factory at Fourchambault near Nevers in a huge defunct aviation factory. The relationship between Piaggio and ACMA was close from the beginning and scores of Italian engineers were sent to France as advisers during the set up of the licence between the two companies. ACMA was initially a very successful enterprise passing the 100,000 units sold mark as early as 1954 and even manufacturing a small car, the Vespa 400. Despite all the early success the company faced a series of setbacks at the end of the 1950s with declining scooter sales the main issue.

Douglas Motorcycles, the British Vespa licencee based in Bristol, had no such issues and struggled to keep pace with the demand at the end of the 50s. We have consulted with the VVC historian on this matter. It is known that in the late 50s Douglas purchased a number of ACMAs to plug the demand gap and we believe this example to be one of these. The reason for that is that it is stated on the British V5C that the engine number is a Douglas type VIN of the era of a 1957 42L2 model. It is highly probable that it was necessary to issue a Douglas VIN to sell it in Great Britain. On examination and with clear numbers we can see that it is a genuine ACMA engine of the same period and that the body parts are typical of the ACMA 58 model. However it also has what appears to be a genuine Douglas front centre badge and an original Veglia MPH speedometer as opposed to a km/h version.

Our vendor informs us that he has owned it for five years and the previous owner had it for fifteen years. The scooter as we understand is in standard engine format, presents extremely well and is adorned with some tasteful accessories.

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