1966 Vespa 150 Super VBC with Sidecar
Registration no. 404BDO
Frame no. VBC1T28109

145.5cc 2-Stroke Single Cylinder Engine
Del'Orto Carburetor
6bhp at 5,200rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
2-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Beautifully restored in striking colors
*Fun for the whole family
*Top of the line model
*Classic 1960s Mod-style

THE SCOOTER OFFERED

The end of hostilities in 1945 had left many companies that hitherto relied on military contracts looking for alternatives, Piaggio among them. Forbidden by the Allies from resuming his aviation business, Enrico Piaggio instructed his chief designer Corradino d'Ascanio to design a scooter, for which he believed a potential market existed, particularly among women. Sig. d'Ascanio's aviation background meant that he was well versed in techniques of stressed-skin construction, which he deployed in creating the Vespa's monocoque chassis, a revolutionary development at the time.

The name 'Vespa' (wasp) is said to have been inspired by the buzzing sound made by its single-cylinder two-stroke engine. "Just like Henry Ford put the workers on wheels in America," Enrico Piaggio told Newsweek, "...we put automotive transport within the reach of people who never expected to travel that way." Since its introduction in 1946, millions have been made and countless different versions have come and gone, yet the Vespa of today remains recognizably related to the first one made 60 years ago. Classic? Most definitely.

The fine example of the iconic Vespa offered here was built during arguably the most desirable part of the decades-long production run, where the classic design remained largely unaltered, but performance had been significantly improved. Propelled by a furious 6-horspower 150cc engine and equipped with 4 speeds and ten-inch wheels, these mid-sixties examples move along very well. Finished in a gorgeous candy red with ivory accents and a beige leather saddle, the 150 is outfitted with chrome guards, whitewall tires, desirable twin saddle seating arrangement, and a rear mounted spare tire. For a bit of added fun and charm, the Vespa is equipped with a matching sidecar with additional spare wheel—allowing room for another friend, a be-goggled dog, or a bounty of vino, formaggio, and prosciutto for a picnic. The subject of a highly detailed restoration, it is reportedly a fine runner, and its exquisite detail would make it stand out in any collection of cars, motorbikes, or automobilia. Beautifully presented throughout, this classic Italian offers fun transportation for three in the finest la dolce vita fashion.