1963 Vespa Douglas Sportique
Completely original

Registration No: 34 BDD
Frame No: 5HB 2601
Engine No: 5HB 2601
CC: 150
MOT: Exempt

• One family/ friend ownership from new
• Registered new on 19th July, 1963 by H&L Motors Stroud
• Wonderful Mod-style look and original accessories
• Original UK Brown buff logbook
• 5,785 miles on speedometer, believed genuine

The first time a Vespa was seen in Great Britain was on the Douglas stand at the 1949 Motor Cycle Show. The scooter was discovered by Douglas managing director Claude McCormack when the struggling company was in the hands of the official receiver. The Vespa presented itself as a solution to the company’s problems and a deal was made with Piaggio to begin production of the Vespa under license in Britain. Douglas under-performed and was several years behind the Italian models until the late 1950’s when parity was almost made. The result in today’s international collectors market is that British-built Douglas Vespas have in recent times emerged with a special rarity status. The Sportique, the last model to be made in Bristol, is renowned for its reliable engine and great manoeuvrability on its 8 inch wheel.

This Sportique is an absolute time warp and untouched, except for the primer on the engine’s side panel. Never before available on the open market ‘BDD’ was registered new by a lady from Stroud who, by all accounts, was a discerning ‘Modette’ as the scooter is adorned with Esso Tiger and original Vigano ‘Jag’ lights which are wired up to an indicator switch and through the panels to the lights, and we therefore assume would work as indicators. She passed the scooter to her friend who is the mother of the girlfriend of our vendor who kept it unused in her garage for over 30 years. She is showing 5,785 miles on the speedometer, which we believe to be genuine. The original Denfeld (Douglas) seat is in astonishing condition, protected all of these years by a protective polythene cover. All the keys are present and together on a beautiful original Esso key fob, and she comes supplied with the original Vespa tool roll complete with tools.

The engine is seized and no effort has been made to free it. It is our belief that this scooter could be recommissioned, polished and the side panel in primer, painted to blend in by a skilled painter to create an absolutely amazing looking original Mod style Sportique, just as it would have been back in the day. ‘34 BDD’ as a number, we have been told, has been valued at £3500, however we cannot guarantee the value or that the number could be parted from the scooter despite the original buff logbook present; although it certainly would be granted a V5C with its original number. A rare, classy and collectible Vespa presented in utterly original condition.

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