During 68 years long career, Vespa has been produced in 13 countries and sold in about 20 million copies. Vespa story began as a cheap means of transport and time turned it into an icon of style.
After World War II, Italy lay in ruins. Most of the Italian industry worked for the army, and as the war ended, this market has virtually disappeared. Industrialist and aero engineer Enrico Piaggio had the idea of two-wheeled vehicle that supposed to be cheap and reliable. To create the first specimen of such a vehicle, the chosen one was Corradino D’Ascanio. When the prototype was completed, Piaggio was delighted. Due to design and the sound of its engine they named it Vespa, which means wasp in Italian.
After various tests and additional perfecting, Vespa has entered into production in 1946. Although the idea of a scooter was not new at the time, Vespa, thanks to its ingenious design, from the start managed to break away from the competition. Engine was hidden under the chassis reducing the possibility of soiling the driver with oil and dust. This way the “wasp” has become suitable and affordable for ladies also.
Popularity of the Vespa grew instantly and quickly outgrew the boundaries of Italy. Piaggio company began to export to many countries of Europe and the world. Its unique design and practicality were the winning combination. However, another factor significantly affected the popularity of the Vespa: Hollywood! Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn rode a Vespa in the film “Holiday in Rome” in 1953. Thousands of young people were willing to follow their example, just to ride and enjoy.
Although it has been more than seventy years since its inception, Vespa has survived. For all these years of service in cities from Los Angeles to Vladivostok, Vespa has gone through 20.000 mechanical changes, in 120 different models, that were sold in almost 20 million copies. Today it is one of the most popular scooters in the world, with an army of fans united in thousands of clubs worldwide.
Through license arrangements Vespa has been produced in many countries ( Germany, England, Belgium, France, Spain…..).
Made in two colors, gray and beige, the Vespa 125cc marked a new era in 1958. This was the first Vespa with a chassis made of joining two halves of sheet metal. This type of frame had considerable advantages in terms of industrial production and since 1958 has started to be used on all models. The new design was complemented by a new compact engine unit.
It is this Vespa that makes us very proud in terms of the success we have achieved in the restoration process. It is certain now that we have a “rare diamond”. You could see that it had been in preparation for over two years, and for those two years we were looking for parts, originality and aesthetic details.
With its lines, the sound of a two-stroke engine, it allows a teenager, a businessman, a craftsman, a pensioner…..to feel special and different from everyone else on it ( we showed on our Instagram profile that this motorcycle suits just fine to a businessman; we think that this is ony the case with Vespa ).
What deviates from the original is only one detail. Specifically, we considered and further invested in odometer, which is present with VNA 2T model. We believe that this detail certainly does not invalidate the originality, and as an alternative, we have a ready upper part of the steering wheel for a customer who does not want to have a odometer.
Lot of impressions are present and there is a lot to say/write, but we do not want to distract You with our jealous subjectivity…..instead, we present: Vespa VNA 1T 125. Produced in 1958. Through pictures and specifications, enjoy the offered model.
Model | Piaggio Vespa VNA 1T 125 |
Year | 1958 |
Category | Scooter |
Displacement | 123,67 ccm |
Engine type | Single cylinder, 2-stroke |
Power | 3 kW / 5 HP |
Top speed | 75 km/h |
Bore x stroke | 54 x 54 mm |
Fuel control | SOHC |
Cooling system | Air |
Gearbox | 3-speed |
Transmission type, final drive | Direct drive |
Front tyre | 3,50×8“ |
Rear tyre | 3,50×8“ |
Front brakes | Drum brakes |
Rear brakes | Drum brakes |
Weight incl. oil, gas, etc. | 95 kg |
Fuel capacity | 7,7l |
Mileage | 20 km |
Price | 7.990 EUR |
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