1968 Vespa SS90 Supersprint
A superb example

Registration No: CBY 54G
Frame No: V9SS1T3070
Engine No: V9SS1M3027
CC: 90
MOT: Exempt

• A rare opportunity to acquire an excellent SS90
• British registered from new with history and original registration number
• Correct numbers
• Many original parts re-used in the restoration
• Good running condition
• Award-winning scooter
• 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’. During trials, the buzzing noise of the engine and body shape combined for the scooter to be christened the ‘Vespa’, the Italian translation for wasp. From the launch in 1946 it was such a success that it has become a symbol of taste, fashion and style and is one of the favourite global design icons of all time.

By the early 1960s Vespa Douglas in Great Britain were importing Italian built Vespas as opposed to continuing to manufacture them. The Vespa SS90 made between 1965 and 1971 is much sought after by collectors due to its extreme rarity and only just over 5000 were produced. Most of these have been lost to the ravages of time and overly ambitious riders. The SS90 was developed as a sporting variant of the small frame Vespas. With a dummy fuel tank, a centrally located spare wheel, narrower more aerodynamic fairing and a pad on top of the dummy tank riders could crouch low behind the headlight to reduce drag at higher speeds. The two-stroke 88.5cc engine used in the Super Sprint is a single-cylinder, air-cooled unit with a bore/stroke of 47/51 mm and an 8.7:1 compression ratio. It’s paired with a 4-speed gearbox, the dry weight is 77kg and the top speed is 93kmh (58mph).

This SS90 was originally registered in North West London in 1968 which is correct for CBY registrations from 1965. We have the first Blue registration document when the DVLA system became computerised which shows the owner in 1984 as a Miss Clare Walsh from Greenford which is the correct area for the registration. The next registered owner is a Lester Mordue also of North West London before it found its way to Colin Downing owner of CD Scooters in Brighton at some time in the 1990s where it was stored in the loft of the shop for many years. Legend has it that many scooter Brighton enthusiasts had tried to buy the scooter but were always rebuffed until 2017 when the son of our vendor was able to prise the precious scooter from Colin who was emigrating and selling up. The old location of CD Scooters is now called Brighton Moto.

When discovered the scooter was Yellow and was showing 7,783 miles on the speedo and then underwent a high-quality restoration by our vendor, an experienced motorcycle restorer, who appears to have done a very accurate job. The scooter was originally Red and the correct Piaggio Rosso paint colour was supplied by Car Colour Service of Romford. The restoration was done with the foresight of using almost all of important and impossible to find original parts to a standard condition still on 6v and points ignition.

All original parts include:

• MPH Speedometer now showing 8,069 miles, possibly genuine
• Engine (rebuilt internally)
• Operation and service manual discovered in the toolbox
• All panels except front mudguard
• Dummy tank, spare wheel holder
• Lights and lenses
• Plastic under seat toolbox
• Levers and horn
• Wheel rims

New correct parts all sourced from SIP and Scooter centre Germany include: floor runners, control switch, handgrips, tyres, points and condenser, seat ad tank pad, fuel tank, badges, exhaust, steering lock and all keys. She is we are told in good running condition and was ridden to several Kent shows 3 years ago where she won ‘Best Vespa’ at ‘The Medway Aces Anniversary Show’.

‘CBY’ is supplied with photographs and notes of the restoration, a large file of bills for the new parts used, some MOTs and a trophy. It is seldom that this most rare and sought-after Vespa model, British registered from new and still with original parts, comes around. It is an exceptional example.

Please note: The photograph of the left side of the scooter is missing, however, the video shows it clearly. The video was shot before the scooter received a service.

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