Modern Vespa

My next project that should keep me occupied this year now the Mk1 T5 has been completed -- (mechanically restored and bodywork left as delivered, bumps and scrapes galore

this one i will do the same. I currently like to keep them battle scared and rough around the edges, but mechanically perfect.

Why do people spray paint these assembled? Looks like the bodywork is in good shape just have to clean up the painted parts, that aren't supposed to be painted. I'd like to find a model with handlebars some day.

Lovely.

Keep us updated with pics and such on the regular.

Vespa 150 Struzzo! Highly collectable. Gongrats!

Super into this! I love it.

Keep us posted!

-g

Sweet! The fender crest is cool. This is one thread I'll definitely be watching!

Love these models - perhaps the most beautiful of the body styles.
Will enjoy watching updates on this one.

Greetings:

Big Vespa Book I got for Christmas makes it pretty easy to study the subtle differences in all these very similar-looking vintage Vespas. Apparently sold alongside the 1955-later GS 150 model which was distinguished by a taller side panel and full handlebar covers. According to Sarti, the first series 150 had no battery. Second series had one located below left side panel.

Wheelman, please could you have a good look through the book you have?

The frame on this one seems to have some rounded ridges, i just wondered if these were someone's additions or they are as intended. i have seen them on a scooter before and i cant for the life of me remember where and which model.


Thanks everyone for the positive vibes- i will definitely keep this post updated. it will be a meandering build as and when i get the impetus to actually do some theraputic fiddling.

Cool project! Wheelman what book is that? Thanks!

Greetings:

It's called "Vespa All the Models" by Giorgio Sarti. Ms. Wheel-person scored the last one on Amazon just before Christmas, chronicled HERE. GR, if you'll take some pics of the details you're questioning, I'll do my best to snap a few in the book to compare. Sorry there's only the one page concerning the mid-50s VLT1 VLT2 and VLT3 I suspect yours to be. Updated 1957 VB1T and mid-'55 (VS1T)GS models differed considerably from the pics you posted. I'd be willing to bet there's expertise in this Forum far exceeding mine.

According to the Vespa Tecnica book, it looks like a 1947-48-49, rod model, due to the crease running just under the tank/seat on either side.
The vin number would help narrow it down.
if the vin starts with V98 its 1946-47
V1t-V5t its 1948-50
The rod gear change was was a beast to set up so it functioned correctly...
my bet is the front end was changed with an early 50s fork and headset.
Congrats, that is quite the find!!!

Also looks like the motor side cowl is early 50s also

This is the area i am wondering about, it seems to have a molded shape in the frame which the ones in your excellent book and the one posted above by a VERY knowledgeable forum member also doesn't have?

Have you checked the VIN?? The "lines" were present on the early Faro Basso models. Can't recall if the VL1 "Struzzo" had them...

All the models in my previous post have that molded into the frame. if you have the frame #, I can tell you what the tecnica book says it is, just need the first 3 digits.
I'm curious too

Beautiful frame! I would love to have one of these some day!

Hello,

Those ridges on the frame, and the small fuel tank make it pre 1954. If there is no frame number on the lip of the carb door, it many be a Douglas. Though the headlight diameter suggests probably a European model Piaggio, Acma, Motovespa, or even Hoffmann. Most models with those style frame have engine side panels with the area in front of the flywheel cut out. Google some pics of Douglas model G or GL2, or Motovespa 125n. The frame at least is pre VL1. A frame number should solve the mystery if you can find one.

Hope that's of some help.

It's a moto vespa 125N

Mystery solved....

Thanks all for the input... makes me want to turn it into a low light homage now I know. 😁

I thought so too. The Motovespa frame had those ridges well into the mid 50's. With those side panels and handlebars. it does look like a 125n of around then. Found a frame number yet?