Back to the main page Back to category Scooters and Mopeds

Bike details

1956 Vespa 150 - Fresh Restoration to High Level - Unique Collectable model

Estimated price for orientation: 1 000 $

Category: Scooters and Mopeds
Class:











Description
Make: Vespa Engine Size: 150cc
Model Year: 1956


1956 VESPA 150 - Bella!  (nickname "struzzo") This is an extremely nice 1956 Vespa 150. Fully restored recently from the ground up at a Italian Vespa restoration shop. Original color, excellent paint finish and luster.  Complete and correct in all details, beautiful example of one of the rare transition models and one of the first to have a handlebar mounted headlamp and speedometer.  One can readily see the “showroom appeal” of this Italian beauty. This is the sort of scooter that gives one a real sense as to why people walked into a showroom and bought one.  In 1956, ten years after the birth of the first model, the Pontedera factory achieved the millionth Vespa sale. Vespa's success went beyond all expectations. The Vespa 150 provided improved performance and it also stood out due to the headlamp mounted high above the handlebars.  By this time the engineering and design was well sorted and these Vespas are known to be quite durable and very reliable. The pale eggshell color suits the lines of the body very well. At the time of the restoration the scooter was fitted with the most common popular options back in the day, a unique rear passenger seat with slide ridge, legshield mount spare tire, and speedometer. The rear seat is removable to use the rack it sits on as a luggage tray.  All the chrome and trim is in fine condition.  Rubber trim strips, cable covers, twistgrips are new and other such items generally in excellent shape.  Minor surface corrosion on the front mounted horn, but otherwise exceptionally clean. New, period correct whitewall tires add a true ’50s accent. The motor has been fully rebuilt with the best components, OEM Vespa when available, all the internal parts replaced, new electrical wiring installed and system upgraded, new control cables, new seat covers, and we restored or replaced virtually all other items. Engine size is 150cc and the transmission is a 3 speed with enclosed cable actuated shifting.  Starts, runs and rides very well.  Performance is modest, but this is a very fun scooter to ride.   This is essentially a new scooter all the way around. You would be hard pressed to find a better ‘56 Vespa in North America.  Needs nothing, ready to go and fully enjoy. The 1956 150 model is a rare machine as Vespa continually kept updating the styling and mechanical bits all thruout the 1950’s driven by huge demand in the home markets.  US sales had been going for only a few years and these scoots are very rare here.  The appeal of this bike to collectors is thus the exceptional condition and relative scarcity.  A sound investment and a great addition to any collection, especially one focused on 1950’s moto.>>>>>>>>>>>>
ABOUT BELLO MOTO – Scooters Are Our Passion BELLO MOTO is dedicated to classic scooters from Vespa, Lambretta and unique European brands.  We are a small team of enthusiasts with roots in Italy and decades of experience in riding, maintaining and restoring vintage machines.  Our San Francisco shop features complete service and restoration facilities, a vast parts inventory and our collection of classic scooters – some of which we offer for sale.  Our connections in Italy and Europe are established and trusted, and provide us with a link to rare and unique bikes, from which we select only the most interesting and enjoyable choices.www bellomoto com