Modern Vespa

Hi folks- I am interested in purchasing a vintage Vespa.

I have come upon a company (AllVespa.com) that takes old Vespa's, restores them and resells.

I'd be interested to hear the forum's thoughts on that company, if any, and additionally whether acquiring a vintage Vespa and restoring it yourself is sort of the recommended approach! I have no mechanical experience but am quite handy and would be interested to know if restoration (outside of body work) would be something I could do on my own, cheaper or better.

Thank you in advance for your comments and help!

Welcome to MV, ctrider!

Honestly, I haven't a clue but there a quite a few here that do. If money is no object, then I'm sure you'll find what you want. If not, getting something close so you can finish it, might do the trick. Maybe you could post some pics of what you want or what you're willing to start with.

Stay far away from this company. Typical "Vietbodge" sellers. Educate yourself and find something locally or from a reputable shop. Others will definitely chime in...

A little info on "Vietbodges"...

https://baritaliaclassics.com/___tech_08.html

http://www.thevespawizard.com.au/the_black_vbb.htm

My advice would be to buy a running Vespa in a not so bad shape so you can drive it this Summer, learn it, know it and then, you can decide to sell it or restaure it in fall.
The PX's may be a go(o)d start: 2 strokes, manual gears, reliable and cheap/easy to maintain & fix. And I would stay far from basket case for now.
Keep in mind it is always better to buy 1 in good mechanical shape but with bodywork needs, than a basket case with a pristine painted frame.

Welcome to MV CTRider. I recommend getting something that runs, and learn how it's supposed to be driven and maintained.

See if there are any clubs in the area and go and chat them up - check out their scooters. Chances are they will have one or three in the back of the garage they'd be willing to part with to the right person, which could be you. You never know.

Let us know what you decide or find.

Again, Welcome!

Allvespa?

SEA dogshit. Hard pass.

You can get something better and cheaper locally. It might not be restored and shiny but it will be a good solid bike.

Make connections locally and pick up something that's running and reliable and easy to get parts for as well as work on: p-series or a vbb or super.

I demand that you ride it for one year before tearing it apart to restore or paint it.

Also, LOCATION, any number of members here may have exactly what you want sitting in their garage collecting dust!

A year? IMO Vespa purchasers seem to have the patience of a flea.
This scoot has side reflectors. SEA bodge artists would never do that.
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/mcy/d/los-angeles-vespa-vintage-1975/7335774918.html

That looks like an amazing original paint Rally 200, but why describe it as a Vespa 150? If only this was in the UK, and at that price !!

That is a gorgeous rally.