Registration No: LD15 HRJ
Frame No: ZAPM8010100001195
Engine No: M801M1001356
CC: 124
MOT: None

• A very rare Vespa, only 100 Bellissima models ever produced
• Only one former keeper - Simon Cowell
• Donated to a charity auction by Simon Cowell and supplied with the certificate of authenticity
• Only c.121km recorded
• Hugely collectible deluxe model seldom seen for sale
• Great investment opportunity

The Piaggio industrial group was devastated by the consequences of World War 2. Amongst the projects mooted 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. D’Ascanio did not like motorcycles and designed the new vehicle from scratch with a vision for clean reliable personal transport for both men and women. During trials the buzzing noise of the engine and body shape combined for the scooter to be christened the ‘Vespa’, the Italian translation for wasp. From the launch in 1946, the Vespa was such a success that it has become a symbol of taste, fashion and style and is one of the favourite global design icons of all time.

In a dramatic look back to its past styling Piaggio introduced the first 946 models in 2011 as a perfect blend of physical lines and innovation. Dubbed ‘a scooter for the wealthy’ by The New York Times and with a starting price at over $10,000, it was Vespa’s most expensive ever model. The 946 is a combination of the finest industrial materials, craftsmanship and technology. Technical features included ABS, LED headlamp, LCD display, traction control, partial aluminium construction, front and rear disc brakes and hand sewn leather. The motor is a redesigned 3 valve 4 stroke using air cooling and fuel injection and operates with low emissions with its 3 way catalytic converter, to achieve Euro 3 status. Economical at a claimed 155 mpg but yet a powerful 11.6hp ‘twist and go’ scooter. Over the production period there were four limited edition collector runs: Ricardo, Bellissima, Emporio Armani and Red.

Here we present the Bellissima of which 100 units were produced either in Deep Metallic Blue or Silver. They were only available for sale in the USA. Although we know Mr Cowell is a resident of both the USA and the UK, we can only assume that he purchased it Stateside before having it registered new in the UK.

This example was donated into the Susan George charity auction ‘My Things and Others’ run by The Prop Store in February this year, with the donations coming from her close and personal friends. The then 'Lot number 22 - Personal Items' was Simon Cowell's 946 Vespa scooter and was purchased directly at the auction by the partner of our vendor. Presented in Metallic Silver with a Burgundy leather seat, this special edition model has a UK MOT certificate confirming the mileage as only 121km at the time of consignment. Certified authenticity. A truly collectible Vespa.

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