1965 Piaggio Vespa 150cc Sprint

Vespa production began in 1946 by the Piaggio Company of Genoa. The first Vespa was powered by a 98cc unit; only one hundred of the original models were manufactured before a more refined version went into mass production. The small scooter, initially intended to meet the demand for economical transport in cash-strapped Italy, well-exceeded all expectations and in 1950, 60000 models were produced.

This superb 1965 example has been the subject of a complete, professional restoration. Both the original frame and the engine casing were retained to ensure the moped’s originality. Requiring no repairs, the frame was stripped back to bare metal, primed and painted in its smart bronze and white livery. The Sprint is beautifully finished to as new condition, and is equipped with adornments such as whitewall tyres, a pillion back rest, a spare wheel and carrier, side bars, a front carrier and bars, a front mudguard protector and a stainless steel exhaust.

The engine has been checked and rebuilt using new-old stock or reproduced parts; at present, the Vespa has covered 137km since the rebuild, so will require further careful running in by its new custodian.

FAW 404C is supplied with the V5C registration certificate and a certificate declaring its Italian origin, issued by the British Lambretta Archive.