1959 Vespa VBA1 150

Registration No: UHR 304
Frame No: VBA1T10460
Engine No: VBA1M9960
CC: 150
MOT: Exempt

• UK registered from new
• Completely original including paint
• Known history with buff logbook
• Wiltshire scooter having never left the Trowbridge area
• Original accessories

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 range of Vespas were the immediate successors to the long-running ‘handlebar’ scooters of the 1950s and in the UK was the successor to the 15212 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. Engines were 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. As a whole package it was a much more professional-looking machine, whilst retaining many similar features of the desirable lines of the GS. Later VBA models with 150 engines were sold in the UK with leg shield trim, clamshell speedometer and GS style rear light. Today the VBA is an appealing Vespa and an appreciating model.

This VBA was originally registered on 7th August 1959 by Holoway Bros. motorcycle dealers of Trowbridge and the original shop decal still shows clearly on the front mudguard. The scooter was sold with the Vespa Douglas official accessories of the day including the including Avon windscreen, Vigano side crash bars and mudguard ‘aeroplane’ which needs some repair. An original ‘Buff’ registration book is present with the scooter and shows all of the 3 owners up until the present day. In the logbook, the scooter is rather hopefully described as a ‘Clubman’. The vendor’s father bought the scooter in 1964 from his uncle Mr Plummer and it has resided in his garage ever since. Over the years it has had little use but did have a comprehensive engine overhaul in 2011 but was still not used. ‘UHR’ has all of the original parts including the speedometer. The only replaced part we could see were the hand grips and they could be replaced with period accessory grips to make the whole scooter totally original.

Remarkably, when visited for photographs the scooter started by adding fuel directly into the carburettor. The conclusion is that possibly, with just a tank and fuel tap clean, this is a running scooter. This is a lovely appreciating Vespa in a remarkable original condition, with original documents, a wonderful patina and the original accessories it was sold with.

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