1963 Vespa GS160 Mk2
Original, UK-supplied ‘Mod scene’ machine

Registration No: Unregistered (formerly '787 PG')
Frame No: VSB1T 0039724
Engine No: VSB1M 0039724
CC: 160
MOT: Exempt

• Original British registered GS160 Mk2
• Correct matching numbers
• Many original hard to find parts
• Running condition
• Superb basis for a quality restoration

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. 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.

Launched in 1962 the GS160 was quite a departure from the earlier 150 version and marked the beginning of the new era of the more powerful and many would say more reliable Vespas. With a larger cylinder and clutch the engine case being altered and with spare wheel mounted on the left side of the body. Almost every internal engine part was changed and a different air box and carburettor were used. This necessitated even wider engine cowls than the 150 and the most pleasing and the widest (yet still rounded) ‘behind’ ever seen on a Vespa. And it helped credibility being the fastest standard Italian scooter on the road for a short period in 1962 before Lambretta could launch their TV200 (it was reportedly faster than the TV175). The GS160 Mk2 differed in that the large luggage box inside the leg shield replaced the small boot seen on the Mk1. Overall, with a fairly blistering performance of 8.9hp and with rounded design features that hid the spare wheel and internalised the luggage, the GS160 Mk2 is regarded by many as the pinnacle combination of Vespa performance and style.

'787 PG' was first registered in Guildford during July 1963. The vendor enquired from the previous owner and also did some research to discover that the only other known owner also from Surrey was a dentist who used the scooter to commute to university in Edinburgh, Scotland in the 1960s and now resides in Chicago, USA. It was he who sold the scooter to the previous owner. Supplied with one surviving printed tax disc from July 1972 we believe that this may be sufficient to rescue the potentially valuable registration number from DVLA. We also believe from this information that this is a very low-ownership scooter.

There are clear signs that this scooter could have originally been a ‘Mod style' scooter, judging from the holes on the side panels that would have accommodated ‘Jag lights’. On close inspection, all of the panels are original and sound except for the front mudguard which has been replaced at some time in the scooter's life. She still has some really nice and very hard to find original parts including a MPH speedometer, Siem switch, horn, rear light and headlight as forementioned the engine is original to the scooter. She will need to be recommissioned, however, our consultant was able to hear the scooter running and was told she had just done a trip from Gatwick to Brighton and back in recent weeks. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a solid largely original example of a highly in-demand model that seldom come up for sale.

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