">
2017 Shannons Sydney Spring Classic Auction
Lot
15

1961 Vespa GS 150 Scooter

$9,500

Sold

Specifications

Engine Single-cylinder, 150cc
Gearbox 4-speed manual
Colour Silver Blue
Trim Grey

Description

This lot is no longer available

If one product came to symbolise Italy's post-war economic and social resurgence it would be the Vespa scooter.  Idolised by the young people for generations, made famous by celebrities like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday, and produced the world over in millions, the Vespa scooter underwent constant improvement.  Founded in 1946, by the mid-fifties the Vespa had evolved further with the introduction of the 150cc range.  It took the rear suspension and other enhancements from the previous 125cc version, and added a longer seating area and the faired in handlebar/headlight unit.  Many Vespa enthusiasts today believe this model to be one of the most desirable of all Vespas, particularly in sporty GS form with its larger, more elegant bodywork and standard equipment including a speedometer and silver paintwork.  The engine was also tweaked to produce more power, with an 8 horsepower rating instead of the standard 5.4 bhp, allowing the scooter to achieve a maximum in excess of 100 km/h.  The quintessential Vespa for many enthusiasts, the GS is an ideal choice as a commuter vehicle today, being cheap to run and maintain, offering so much more style than the bland plastic products of today.