The Vespa has evolved from a single model motor scooter manufactured in 1946 by Piaggio & Co. of Pontedera, Italy. Designed by Renzo Spolti and Vittorio Casini and known as the MP5 (Moto Piaggio no.5). Upon seeing this new design for the first time, Enrico Piaggio exclaimed 'Sembra una Vespa!' (It resembles a wasp). In 1951 the motorcycle manufacturer Douglas started production of Piaggio licensed Vespa scooters in Bristol, with a market to include some Commonwealth countries as well as the UK. Westinghouse took over Douglas in 1955, and while motorcycle production was stopped in 1957, Vespa production in Britain continued until 1965.

Douglas was more than a simple assembly plant for parts imported from Piaggio; many of the models made by Douglas had a high percentage of content manufactured by Douglas (cylinder heads, gear clusters, brake drums and other mechanical parts) or by UK supply companies, seats, carburettors, tyres, and some electrical components were made in the UK. Models made by Douglas were primarily the Vespa 125 and 150. Douglas produced Vespas which were often outdated compared to current Italian models. Douglas failed to meet the production numbers hoped for by Piaggio, though after production ceased in 1965, Douglas remained the UK importer for Vespa scooters until its demise in 1982.

A stunning original example of the 150cc 1961 Vespa purchased in 2017 by our vendor, it is presented in Pistachio with a trimmed black leather seat. This desirable original, Douglas built, example is full matching numbers with an odometer reading of 52 miles. The perfect addition to any showroom or man cave, this could equally be used as a retro mode of transport being fully UK registered with a V5 registration document. Having been kept in a heated and dehumidified garage as part of a private collection, viewing is highly recommended. Consigned by Mathew Priddy

Lot details
Year: 1961
Make: Piaggio
Model: Vespa Douglas
Registration: 382 UYR
Chassis No: VBB1T023898
Odometer: 52

* Full matching numbers example
* Original example in stunning order
* Part of the Shamley collection