To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Amelia
Island event, 6 - 7 March 2020.
Estimate:
$10,000 - $15,000
- An exceptionally original Vespa; reportedly never fired
- Showing only 35 miles since new, accrued while being
pushed
- Accompanied by original Yuasa battery and box
- Includes original tools with pouch
- The iconic Italian conveyance
Soon after the end of World War II, Italian industrialist Enrico
Piaggio needed a solution to combat Allied-placed restrictions on
his aviation business. In a stroke of genius, Piaggio entrusted the
development of a simple, lightweight scooter to chief designer
Corradino d'Ascanio. Well versed in the construction of utilizing
lightweight materials and innovative technical solutions, d'Ascanio
created the venerable Vespa.
It is without question that the Piaggio-built Vespa helped mobilize
the whole of Italy upon its introduction in April 1946. Practical,
fast, and above all, charming, the humble Vespa exceeded its
pragmatic ethos and soon became a fixture of national culture not
just in Italy, but throughout Europe. When asked about the scooter
by Newsweek, Piaggio responded, "Just like Henry Ford put the
workers on wheels in America, we put automotive transport within
the reach of people who never expected to travel that way."
Propelled by a 7.7 hp, 150 cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine,
this Vespa 150 Super is an exceptionally original example that
features the favorable twin-saddle seating arrangement and turn
signals. The consignor reports that the scooter has never been
fired, let alone ridden, though good compression is noted when the
engine is kicked over. The Vespa was purchased off the
Manufacturer's Statement of Origin and has never been registered
for road use. Notably, it shows less than 40 miles, which the owner
highlights are simply from being pushed to and from storage
locations over the years. Additionally, the Vespa is accompanied by
its original Yuasa battery and cardboard box, the original tools in
their plastic pouch, and the original license plate hardware, which
is still attached to the optional basket.
Finished in a lovely shade of red, this Vespa 150 Super offers an
infinite amount of fun for two, or an incredible conversation piece
of any Vespa collection.To view this car and others currently
consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am20.