1962 Vespa VNB 125cc, everything works, original condition, Italian import

1962 Vespa VNB 125cc Scooter
Along with the rival Lambretta, he Piaggio-built Vespa mobilised an entire generation of Italians in the immediately post-WW2 years, he hitherto humble scooter going on to become part of youth culture in the 1960s as favourite transport of the fashion conscious in a modern style – or Mods. Forbidden by the Allies from resuming his aviation business, nrico Piaggio instructed his chief designer Corradino d'Ascanio to design a scooter, or which he believed a potential market existed, articularly among women. The name 'Vespa' (wasp) is said to have been inspired by the buzzing sound made by its two-stroke engine. Millions have been made since 1946 and countless different versions come and gone, et today's Vespa remains recognisably related to the first one made over 60 years ago. Classic? Most definitely.
With the exception of the headset, he bodies on the VNA/VBA and VBA/VBB are identical. The advent of the VBA was the most significant evolution of the Vespa up to that point. The body was totally changed from that on the handlebar Vespa. The frame was significantly narrower, nd the legshield was more curved. The body was made horizontally flat behind the seat. The glovebox cowl on the left side was retained, ut it was made flat at the bottom. A keyed lock was standard except on Allstate models. VNB/VBB models had an aluminum trim strip added to the seam in the cowls on both sides as a styling detail.
Other details included a choke lever which was located on the frame above the fuel valve and a re-designed brake pedal. Early models had a "seamless" front fender which was made from a single piece of metal. The headlight size was enlarged to help with lighting, nd included a wide chrome ring.
All models came with a single saddle seat as standard, owever, he dual seat was an accessory available in Europe.
The motor on the 125 and 150 was a major improvement over the same size motors on the preceding handlebar Vespas. Both motors were essentially the same except for the size of the piston and bore. The motor is a rotary valve design which allowed a 2% two stroke oil mixture. The motor case was simplified and integrated the swing arm and the housing for the flywheel magneto. The carburetor was moved to an airbox, hich was housed on the top of the motor just above the crankshaft rotary valve. The air was filtered through the body and the air box was connected to the frame through a rubber hose.
The motors on these scooters were a pinicle of simplicity and ruggedness. They formed the basis for all of the largeframe Vespas that followed, nd their basic design lives on to the present day with the P-series Vespas. Piaggio used to advertise that the motors only had "three moving parts" and they warranted the Vespa transmission for the lifetime of the scooter.
The VNB offered here was imported from Italy with a package of classic cars. In absolutely original condition, he bike is a rare find these days. The only departure is a re-pop speedo. The bike was gone through by a specialist a few months ago, ut has been languishing since. It started easily and ran well when put away, ut now is in need of some re-commissioning. The brakes and suspension worked well and it even has the key for the steering lock. Cosmetically, he bike is what it is: an original example, ither in need of restoration, r just ride it as is and enjoy the cool patina, iding La Dolce Vita.
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