Vespa Alpha - 1967

This vehicle appeared in the film “Dick Smart, Agent 2007” starring Richard Wyler, Margaret Lee, Rosanna Tapados.

For this movie, the Vespa 180 Super Sport was transformed by Piaggio and by the English factory Alpha Willis to race along the road, fly like a helicopter, sail and dive like a submarine.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2-stroke single cylinder engine

Bore: 62 mm - Stroke: 60 mm - Displacement: 181.145 cc

Top speed: 105 km /h

Suspension: coil spring and hydraulic shock absorber on both wheels

Brakes: drum

Tyres: 3.50-10"

Source : http://www.museopiaggio.it/collezionevespa/collezione_Vespa_en.html

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Vespa 90 SS - 1966

The Super Sprint 90 is no doubt the most stylish Vespa with its unmistakable aggressive design, “its speed, its irresistible spurt and its stirring riding” is produced by Piaggio starting in 1966.

It features a smaller legshield and an oddments pannier placed between the saddle and the handlebar. Like the Vespa GS of 1955, the spare wheel can be positioned in the middle of the floor platform. Exploiting the success of the Vespa Super Sprint, Piaggio prepares a 50 cc version too only for the foreign markets (particularly Switzerland and Germany). The 90 Super Sprint, like the Vespa 50, is among the most sought-after models. A real collector’s object.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2-stroke single cylinder engine

Bore: 47 mm - Stroke: 51 mm - Displacement: 88.5 cc

Top speed: 93 km /h

Suspension: coil spring and hydraulic shock absorber on both wheels

Brakes: drums

Tyres: 3.00-10"

Source : http://www.museopiaggio.it/collezionevespa/collezione_Vespa_en.html

Source : http://www.museopiaggio.it/collezionevespa/collezione_Vespa_en.html

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Vespa Militare - 1964

Like other motorcycle producers, Piaggio spent part of its research to the military use of vehicles.

The first projects presented to the Ministry of Defence in Italy date back to the beginning of the fifties, of which there is written evidence such as drawings (like the image that compares the Vespa 125 with a motorcycle). The 1964 model derives from the Vespa 125 (VMA1) with a few changes on the frame to reduce encumbrance. In fact, the handlebar and the front wheel can be quickly removed and placed on the left-side sack. After negotiations with the Italian Ministry of Defence, the Vespa military has remained as a prototype.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2-stroke single cylinder engine

Bore: 557 mm - Stroke: 51 mm - Displacement: 121.17 cc

Top speed: 80 km /h

Suspension: coil spring and hydraulic shock absorber on both wheels

Brakes: drums

Tyres: 3.00-10"

Source : http://www.museopiaggio.it/collezionevespa/collezione_Vespa_en.html

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Vespa 90 - 1963

The Vespa 90 was launched in 1963 together with the 50, and used many of the same components. Retailed in a single colour – sky-blue – it had 10” wheels. About 24,000 units were sold in Italy. Equipped with a licence plate due to its engine displacement, the Vespa 90 was popular with those who needed to carry a passenger.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Two-stroke single cylinder engine

Bore: 47 mm - Stroke: 51 mm - Displacement: 88.5 cc

Top speed: 70 km/h

Suspension: helicoidal spring and hydraulic shock absorber on both wheels

Brakes: drum

Tyres: 3,00x10"

Source : http://www.museopiaggio.it/collezionevespa/collezione_Vespa_en.html

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Vespa 50 - 1963

This was the most popular Vespa with the young. Brilliant and easily handled, with attractive, exclusive styling that derives from the line of the larger models. Ever since its first appearance on the market, it is advertised by Piaggio as “young, modern, and….without documents”. With the 1963 Rules of the Road, no numberplate nor licence are required even for fourteen years old.

The engine is completely new, with the cylinder positioned at a 45° angle and no longer horizontal. The last scooter to be designed by Corradino D’Ascanio, the “50” is a milestone in the history of Vespa: from 1964 to the present day, over 3 million were built.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2-stroke single cylinder engine

Bore: 38 mm - Stroke: 43 mm - Displacement: 49 cc

Top speed: 40 km /h

Suspension: rubber elements at the front, coil spring and hydraulic shock absorber at the rear

Brakes: drums

Tyres: 2.75-9"

Source : http://www.museopiaggio.it/collezionevespa/collezione_Vespa_en.html

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Vespa Dali' - 1962

In the summer of 1962, the vehicle that has since become probably the world’s most valuable Vespa carried two Madrid University students, Santiago Guillen and Antonio Veciana, on a tour of Europe.

The two youths, headed for Rome and then Athens, met the master of surrealism in Cadaquez, the first stop on their trip. In the words of one journalist, Salvador Dalì “true to his reputation, decided to decorate the Vespa in bizarre fashion, adding his signature and the name of his partner and muse Gala.”

Hence this scooter entered the annals of history, becoming a true myth for Vespa fans.

Found and restored (without however touching the parts decorated by Dalì), the Vespa quickly drew interest from several museums. After a first outing in the summer of 1999 to the annual Eurovespa rally, held that year in Girona, Spain. The scooter was on display at “The Art of Motorcycle” exhibition with which the Guggenheim Museum of New York inaugurated its Bilbao museum. The Vespa Dalì’s last international outing took place in 2000 at VespArt, a London exhibition. Subsequently, the exhibition’s eight Vespas decorated by eight British celebrities including Duran Duran lead singer Simon Le Bon were auctioned for charity at Sotheby’s.

Source : http://www.museopiaggio.it/collezionevespa/collezione_Vespa_en.html

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Vespa 150 - 1960

This is the evolution of the Vespa 150 (VBA) presented in 1958, with very few changes. The colour is similar to the previous one (metal sky blue). The side sacks are enriched by two aluminium decorations, and the rear light is larger and completely chromium-plated.

This model enjoyed great success, thanks to its elegance and functional qualities ever since its first apparition at the Olympic games in 1960.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2-stroke single cylinder engine

Bore: 57 mm - Stroke: 57 mm - Displacement: 145.45 cc

Top speed: 87 km /h

Suspension: coil spring and hydraulic shock absorber on both wheels

Brakes: drum

Tyres: 3.50-8"

Source : http://www.museopiaggio.it/collezionevespa/collezione_Vespa_en.html

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Vespa 150 GS - 1959

This was the last Vespa in the legendary GS series, first produced in 1955 with successive engine and styling improvements made to the VS versions and numbered 2 to 5. The VS5 front shield had a stainless steel rim and a die-cast handlebar that concealed the control cables, exactly as on the VS2. It had a characteristic fan-shaped speedometer and the rear lamp had a stop light, which had become compulsory, with chrome trim. The front mudguard crest also had a new design. There were significant improvements to the braking system and the engine in general – it had a new carburettor and cylinder head with a hike in horsepower to make running smoother and more flexible. This model was manufactured from 1959 to 1962.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: single cylinder two stroke

Bore: 57 mm - Stroke: 57 mm - Displacement: 144.45 cc

Top speed: 93.81 km/h

Suspensions: coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers

Brakes: drum.

Tyres: 3.50 x 10"

Source : http://www.museopiaggio.it/collezionevespa/collezione_Vespa_en.html

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Vespa 125 - 1958

Produced in two different colours, grey and beige, the 1958 Vespa 125 marked an epoch. It was the first Vespa on which two steel half-shells were joined to make the body. This type of frame had major advantages in terms of industrial production and would be used on all Vespa models thereafter.

Another new feature of the 1958 Vespa 125 was represented by the commands hidden within the handlebar, which was also composed of two half-shells of pressed steel; a certainly more stylish feature that had been used until then only on the 150cc models whose handlebars were, however, die-cast.

The engine too had a new design - it was smaller, with the transverse strut incorporated into the crankcase.

This was the last Vespa to use the 5% mixture.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Two-stroke single cylinder engine

Bore: 54 mm - Stroke: 54 mm - Displacement: 123.7 cm

Maximum speed: 75 Km/h

Suspension: helicoidal spring and hydraulic shock-absorber on both wheels

Brakes: drums

Tyres:3.50-8"

Source : http://www.museopiaggio.it/collezionevespa/collezione_Vespa_en.html

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Vespa 400 - 1957

At the peak of the success of the Vespa, Piaggio decides to make an entrance into the world of the four-wheeler, still in the optic of producing an economic vehicle for a wide market.

Once again it was Corradino D’Ascanio who set to designing the little Vespa 400, a two-stroke car built in two versions.

After its debut in 1957, 30,000 models were produced by A.C.M.A., Piaggio’s French licensee, and in 1959, it even ran in the Monte Carlo Rally.

Its 394 cc two-stroke engine, its two seats, and its rather Spartan accessories made the Vespa 400 the forerunner of the utility vehicles which invaded the roads of Europe during the sixties.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

A rear-mounted, air-cooled, two-cylinder, two-stroke engine driving the rear wheels

Bore: 63 mm - Stroke: 63 mm - Engine size: 394 cc

Maximum speed: 55.92 mph

Suspension: independent four-wheel

Brakes: hydraulic on all four wheels

Tyres: 4.00-10”

Source : http://www.museopiaggio.it/collezionevespa/collezione_Vespa_en.html

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Vespa 150 TAP - 1956

In the 1950s the French defence Ministry commissioned A.C.M.A., Piaggio’s French licensee, to produce a vehicle for military use. The result was the very special Vespa 150 T.A.P. (Truppe Aero Portate – air troops carrier), of which about 600 units were produced from 1956 to 1959 at A.C.M.A.’s factory.

Used by the Foreign Legion and French paratroopers, the Vespa T.A.P. could be parachuted, and had a 75mm cannon (without recoil), six rounds of ammunition and two fuel jerrycans, and a small trolley. It was produced in two camouflage colours, green and sable. Despite its 115 kg. weight, the Vespa T.A.P. 150 cc remained manoeuvrable, could reach 60 km/h and go 200 km without refuelling, in the most extraordinary and unusual uses.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Two-stroke single cylinder engine

Bore: 58.5 mm - Stroke: 54 mm - Displacement: 145.2 cc

Top speed: 66 km/h

Suspension: helicoidal spring and hydraulic shock absorber on both wheels

Brakes: drum

Tyres: 3.50-8"

Source : http://www.museopiaggio.it/collezionevespa/collezione_Vespa_en.html

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Vespa 150 - 1956

In 1956, a decade after the first model was launched, the millionth Vespa came off the line at the Pontedera factory. The Vespa’s success exceeded all expectations and the by-now-legendary scooter was available in three different displacements -125, 150 and 150 GS. The Vespa 150 was more comfortable and had better performance than the 125 model, which it otherwise resembled except for its headlamp, mounted above the handlebar. The launch price was 148,000 liras to the 125’s 128,000 liras. The first sporty GS – far more fast and powerful – sold at 178,000 liras.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Two-stroke single cylinder engine

Bore: 57 mm - Stroke: 57 mm - Displacement: 145.6 cc

Maximum speed: 82.9 km /h

Suspension: conical coil spring and hydraulic shock absorber. The rear shock absorber had a dual, flexible conical coil spring and dual-effect hydraulic shock absorber

Brakes: drums

Tyres: 3.50-8"

Source : http://www.museopiaggio.it/collezionevespa/collezione_Vespa_en.html

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Vespa 150 Sidecar - 1955

The Vespa sidecar was manufactured between the end of1948 and early 1949 following the success of the new 125cc engine. The Vespa 150 VL1 was the first to be built in this displacement, and the first were sold at the end of 1954. Studied in minute detail, the Vespa with the sidecar had one single long connecting arm with suspension and had coil springs for stability and comfort on long rides.

The sidecar, whose elegant, aerodynamic design was much admired, allowed the passenger to be seated comfortably, protected by a windscreen and with a small luggage space behind the back rest. The sheet metal sidecar was assembled by hand and linked to the Vespa by a single tube, a Piaggio exclusive that also envisaged the substitution of the gear change ratio to facilitate riding on sharp gradients.

Praised for its excellent performance even on snow-covered terrain and sharp ascents and descents, the sidecar model met the new need for comfort with the safety and practicality traditionally associated with the Vespa name.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Two-stroke single cylinder engine

Bore: 57 mm - Stroke: 57 mm - Displacement: 145.55

Top speed: 75 km/h (speed was reduced by the sidecar)

Suspension: with helicoidal spring and hydraulic shock absorber on the two wheels, with two helicoidal springs on the sidecar

Brakes: drum on both wheels

Tyres: 3.50x8”

 Source : http://www.museopiaggio.it/collezionevespa/collezione_Vespa_en.html

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Vespa 150 GS - 1955

Following on the heels of the Vespa Sei Giorni (6 days), of which only a limited number were produced, the 150 GS was the first standard-produced "sport" version of the Vespa and became a milestone in the history of not just the Vespa but of the motor-scooter in general.

The 150 GS is remembered as being the world’s most beautiful scooter ever produced and is highly sought after by today’s collectors of vintage Vespas.

The scooter public had grown up, had changed. The Vespa had become the means of how to stand out in a society which was slowly coming to terms with a new social entity: youth.

For the first time, a vehicle born as a quiet way for lots of people to get about suddenly discovered it was capable of breath taking performance.

Born from the Piaggio racing team experience, the GS was the first scooter with a 150 cc engine and was highly sporty in concept. It had a direct fuel injection engine generating 8 bhp at 7,500 revs and reached a top speed of 63 mph. It had a four-speed gearbox, and its long saddle and large 10" wheels gave the Vespa line a new, aggressive look. The model shown in the Piaggio Museum is a pre-series.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Two- stroke single cylinder engine

Bore: 57 mm - Stroke: 57 mm - Engine size: 145.6 cc

Maximum speed: 101 km/h

Suspension: helicoidal springs and hydraulic shock absorber on both wheels

Brakes: drums

Tyres: 3.50-10"

 Source : http://www.museopiaggio.it/collezionevespa/collezione_Vespa_en.html

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Vespa 125 U - 1953

Only 7,000 of this Vespa U were produced, and so today it is among those scooters most sought after by collectors.

It was launched in 1953 as an “economy” model, the “U” standing for “utility”, and its price to the public of 110,000 lire was intended to offset competition by Lambretta.

For the first time, a Vespa aimed at the Italian market mounted the headlight on the handlebars rather than on the front mudguard.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Two-stroke single cylinder engine with deflector piston

Bore: 56.5 mm - Stroke: 49.8 mm - Displacement: 124.85 cc

Maximum speed: 40.38 mph

Suspension: helicoidal spring on the front wheel, hydraulic shock-absorber with helicoidal spring on the rear wheel

Brakes: drums

Tyres: 3.50-8"

 Source : http://www.museopiaggio.it/collezionevespa/collezione_Vespa_en.html

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Vespa 125 Sei Giorni - 1951

A vehicle developed for trial racing, in which it enjoyed considerable success. Its styling was very similar to that of the standard models, except for a larger fuel tank, wrapround leg shield and a larger right side sack to house the carburettor on the cylinder. It earned its name by competing in the 26th International 6-Day event of 1951, at which it won nine gold medals. The Piaggio racing team was composed by: Biasci, Cau, Granchi, Mazzoncini, Merlo, Nesti, Opessi, Riva, Romano and Vivaldi.

In 1951 the Vespa 125 Sei Giorni also won the Motorcycle Italian Federation Trophy, which saw the victories of three Italian riders on the Vespa (Giuseppe Cau, Miro Riva, Bruno Romano).

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2-stroke single cylinder engine

Bore: 54 mm - Stroke: 54 mm - Displacement: 124.2 cc

Top speed: 95 km/h

Suspension: elastic, with coil spring on the front wheel, elastic with coil spring and hydraulic damper on the rear wheel

Brakes: cast iron drums with large cooling fins

Tyres: Pirelli racing 3.50-8"

Source : http://www.museopiaggio.it/collezionevespa/collezione_Vespa_en.html

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Vespa 125 - 1951

Very similar to the 1948 model, the 1951 Vespa was more comfortable, especially because of the addition of a hydraulic shock absorber to the front wheel. The major difference was the gear change, with soft control cables replacing the earlier push-rod linkage. The fuel-oil mixture tap with its filter and key to open and lock the fuel reserve was particularly useful. From an aesthetical point of view, the rear lamp, round in the earlier models, was now rectangular; the saddle had a new colour and design – it was closed in front to hide the suspension movement. Very popular in those years, the 1951 model was the Vespa on which Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant made their romantic escapade in the unforgettable film Roman Holiday.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Two-stroke single cylinder engine

Bore: 56.5 mm - Stroke: 49.8 mm - Displacement: 124.789 cc

Top speed: 70 km/h

Suspension: elastic with coil spring and hydraulic shock absorber on both wheels

Brakes: drums

Tyres: 3.50 - 8”

 Source : http://www.museopiaggio.it/collezionevespa/collezione_Vespa_en.html

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Vespa Siluro - 1951

In 1951, Vespa set off to challenge the most prestigious of speed trial: that of the standing kilometre.

On the 9th of February, between the 10th and the 11th kilometre on the Rome-Ostia motorway, a Vespa with two horizontally opposed pistons (17.2 H.P. - 9500 rpm) designed by Corradino D’Ascanio and driven by the test-driver Dino Mazzoncini, beat all standing kilometre records with a time of 21.4 seconds and an average speed of 171.1 km/h.

The engine’s two drive-shaft were connected by cogs and each cylinder was served by a separate carburettor, outflow controlled by the piston on the magneto side.  Liquid cooled with radiator on the left side.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Two-stroke single cylinder engine with opposed pistons

Power: 17.2 bhp at 9,500 revs

Bore: 42mm - Stroke: 45 mm - Displacement: 124.5 cc

Four-speed gear box

Tyres. 3.00-10" (built specifically by Pirelli for the trials)

Suspension: helicoidal spring at the front and shock absorber with callipers; rear with rubber pad and shock absorber with callipers

Source : http://www.museopiaggio.it/collezionevespa/collezione_Vespa_en.html

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