Registration No: 711 YUS
Frame No: VSB1T 0023520
Engine No: VSB1M 0047737
CC: 160
MOT: Exempt

• High quality restoration in 2013, commissioned by Scooter Emporium, London
• Only 159 miles since restoration
• Correct numbers
• Ready to use
• V5C for use on UK roads

The Piaggio industrial group was devastated by the consequences of World War 2. Amongst the projects muted to rescue the company was an idea to help mobilise the Italian public with a new transport concept ‘the motor scooter’. Aeronautical engineer Corradino d’Ascanio, normally associated with inventing helicopters, was given the job of designing the scooter. From the first appearance of the Vespa in 1946 it was such a success that it has become a symbol of taste, fashion and style and one of the favourite global design icons of all time.

The GS (Gran Sport) was the culmination of all of the speed racers and trial versions of Vespa that had gone before including the famous Sei Giorni’ factory racers. It was the first mass-produced sport Vespa to enter the market. The GS150 production started at the beginning of 1955 and the ‘Vespone’ or big wasp was a tremendous overall success. A great many of the features experimented on the Sei Giorni racers transitioned to the GS. Larger 10-inch ‘star’ wheels, 4 gears in a 150cc 8hp engine and a new body design.

Launched in 1962 the GS160 was quite a departure from the earlier 150 version and marked the beginning of the new era of the more powerful and many would say more reliable Vespas. With a larger cylinder and clutch, the engine case was altered and the spare wheel mounted on the left side of the body. Almost every internal engine part was changed and a different air box and carburettor were used. This necessitated even wider engine cowls than the 150 and the most pleasing and the widest (yet still rounded) ‘rear end’ ever seen on a Vespa. And it helped credibility being the fastest standard Italian scooter on the road for a short period in 1962, before Lambretta could launch their TV200 in 1963 (it was reportedly faster than the TV175). Overall, with a fairly blistering performance of 8.9hp and with rounded design features, that hid the spare wheel and internalised the luggage, the GS160 is regarded by many as the pinnacle combination of Vespa performance and style.

This example was imported from Italy c.2012. It was then treated to a high-quality restoration in 2013, commissioned by the Scooter Emporium, London. At this time the ignition and electrics were changed to 12v. She has a full set of keys and is adorned with a number of crash bars and other accessories, including ‘Ulma’ style Florida bars. Still in remarkable condition, it has been kept under cover in a modern garage. Our consultant was able to start the scooter on first kick and she rode as she should. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a beautiful looking fully-running road legal example of a model that is in very high demand and seldom become available to buy.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Diamond
info@vintagescooters.co.uk
07768 313001