Modern Vespa

Morning everyone, after a bit of advice please.

I have a Vespa 150 Douglas 1972. However the VIN is VBE1T159229 but I can't find this number on any of the historic lists, could you offer any help as to why that may be? (Engine number 159443)

Thanks

welcome. pictures would help tremendously in getting an ID

Thanks for the response. The bike/engine in terms of its appearance is a Sprint Veloce my query was more trying to understand why the VIN code doesn't seem to exist in any of the historic registers for any Vespa Model.

Cheers

It could be that some well meaning person has overstamped the original frame number with a new number for some reason.

edited - frame number not engine number.

Thanks for your response.

So would that (say) wrong stamp make its way on the the log book? This VBE1T code is actually on the log book too.

Cheers

well, considering that the numbers don't jive and that the sprint wasn't ever offered in 8" wheels.... it's interesting...

(also either the headset is wrong or the headlight bezel is incorrect)

Looks like a Super....

Yeah the wheels are wrong on it, we've got 10" to go on, not sure what you mean by the headlight looks exact match to all pictures i've taken a look at and as i mentioned i cant find that code on any vespa model not just the sprint and veloce. I wasn't sure if it was something to do with it being a Douglass model.

Would a 1972 actually be a douglas model, or is its on the logbook because the DVLA are rubbish? My PK50 is also listed as a douglas but is 1989.

Also, is it an import? and what do you know of the history?

All i know is log book just lists Vespa Douglas (no model stated) first registered in UK May 1972. List VIN and engine number as above.

Image from a slightly different angle

Headset looks small for Sprint V. plus the 8" wheels, plus the VIN, probably Indonesian origins…

it's not just a matter of swapping the wheels, it's a bit more complicated than that.

that headlight ring appears to be super/primavera 115mm not the correct sprint 130mm one.

also, is that a key switch under the seat (just above the fuel lever that is either broken or installed wrong)?

none of that is end of the world, but it also doesn't add up.

posting a pic of the frame number and the engine number might shine more light on the provenance...

either way, that prefix doesn't exist.

I appreciate that matey but things can be changed. Its 130mm. No its the choke and fuel tap.

I think the more i look at it i think you's are right, it could be a 150 super. Which would explain the 8" wheels and tapered headlight bezel

That headset was used on the earlier 70s 150 Super. I had an 'L' reg (1973) with the round light. From maybe 1974/5, the UK Supers had the trap headset. The Super engine code is VBC1M and frame code is VBC1T, so could the E be a C ?

The mudguard is not proper Super and is meant for a 10" wheel model eg. Sprint. Douglas stopped making Vespas way back in the '50s I believe, but they were importing them from Italy into the '80s. My 1987 PX200e is a Vespa (Douglas) on the log book, but it was manufactured in Italy, not Bristol.

Looks like you have a Super. How many slats are there on the engine side cowl (side panel)?

Thank you Swa45 very informative.

Yeah the DVLA is a bit "random" with Douglas'.

I've seen a DVLA of a Vespa Douglas with a make year of 1980.

Go figure…

Four slats = 150 Super AFAIK. You almost certainly have an early '70s Super with a Sprint mudguard. It's no doubt had 10" wheels on it at some stage.

I think it has Five slats not four?

I think the Super actually has 5 and the Sprint has 6

https://www.scooter-center.com/en/vespa-piaggio-vespa-150-super-vbc1t-veh1912

https://www.scooter-center.com/en/vespa-piaggio-vespa-150-sprint-veloce-vlb1t-veh1911

Semantics...

My Supers both have four 'slats' or ribs, and five slots. My Sprint has one more of each.

Yeah, that's my thinking too. The 'slat' is the solid part/rib, of which there are four. I checked the panels in my loft which are from a 1976 Super.

seam issues aside, does the hump here not look super exaggerated?

like something is just off...

Looks like round tail reshaped to squarish. If not Indonesian origins, could also be a Bajaj frame…

My VBC1T.
Replace the "E" for a C and that VIN comes up as a 1972 Super.