1959 Vespa Project

[Chocaholic]

So...as a moderately equipped and semi-competent shade tree wench (I mean, wrench) , would you take this on?

Price of entry is reasonable but is it do-able without too much pain and agony? Haven’t talked to the guy yet, but having been born in 1959 with a birthday coming, seems an appropriate challenge, no?

https://greenville.craigslist.org/mcy/d/anderson-1959-vespa-project-scooter/6796719444.html

Looks like parts are available...

https://www.scooterworks.com/HLanding.aspx?lpurl=/vintage_vespa_parts

Appreciate thoughts. Really appreciate being talked out of it!!!

[javadog]

Do you want to own and ride a 1959 Vespa? If you were to spend the time and money to restore something with two wheels and a motor, would that be at the top of your list?

A restoration of even a simple motorcycle takes time and more money than you do imagine. If that's at the top of your wish list, you might consider it.

[Zeke]

Basket cases are the worst to buy into but I'd do it. There's a profit there. Buy low.

[nzporsche944s2]

Hell yes! Those things are fun and worth good money here and in the UK. $1000 seems cheap using my frames of reference.

If that was in my part of the world I’d be jumping on it. The hard work (body) is done

[wdfifteen]

There is something attractive about a Vespa - its design is classic, iconic even. I loved watching French girls in short skirts riding them around Paris. My stepson’s brother holds the land speed record for 200cc scooters and has run the scooter cannonball run a couple of times (modernvespa.com). You might check out his website for some insights.

[herr_oberst]

Hell yes. And let's face it, everyone knows that when you ask this group "if I should do something" you're only confirming the 'yes' answer that you need to get on with the job!

[rfuerst911sc]

As long as the motor isn't locked I say go for it . Based on the pics you will have minimal investment on cosmetics so it's basically get it running and make sure suspension and brakes work properly . Have fun ............. you can always sell it to Mike Wolf on American Pickers he loves these things !!!

[Yorkie]

I bought this one for fun and left the paint original but fixed up the mechanics. I got most of the parts from India and they were really cheap. And crap... advertised it on craigslist and the phone went nuts. Should have asked double.

[javadog]

Ooh, I wanna be this guy...

[Chocaholic]

Originally Posted by Yorkie

I bought this one for fun and left the paint original but fixed up the mechanics. I got most of the parts from India and they were really cheap. And crap... advertised it on craigslist and the phone went nuts. Should have asked double.

Well, you are correct. Was going to go get it tomorrow. Got a text from the seller a few minutes ago...sold.

That was quick.

[LWJ]

I knew a girl / woman in college that disassembled her vespa and sprayed it pink in her apartment. Put it back together and enjoyed the hell out of it.

Tell me that isn't hot. Cause it is.

[brainz01]

I owned several Vespas about 20 years ago. They're great fun and people seem to love them. While I miss them, they were quite unreliable. Even with new parts, they needed frequent adjustment: carbs, brakes, shifter, points... it was always something. But they hold their value and parts are reasonably cheap as many Vespas (pr copies of them) still run in India and Viet Nam.

There's something pretty cool about the 4 speed grip shift. One of my Vespas, a Rally 200, was a strong runner - - you could pop wheelies on it - - it was great fun.

The Vespas were a gateway to bigger motorcycles, specifically 70s BMW airheads. They were much faster, reliable and practical.

Sorry to hear yours got away.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[Bill Douglas]

Darn. I'm as upset as you are.

One week a coffee machine; the next week a Vespa! AND imagine how much collectively we would know about the beast. Maybe another Vespa will come along.

My Mom had one when I was a lil' kid.

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by javadog

Ooh, I wanna be this guy...

Gordon Sumner, AKA Sting! (But you knew that!)

[LakeCleElum]

That was a fair price for what is was.

Last year, during my Inventory Reduction Production, I sold a 1960 (160cc) for $800. It was complete, but pretty ruff........I got it from a guy that found it abandoned on an ocean beach.....Salt damage .

[Tishabet]

If you are really looking seriously at old Vespas, go visit the "not so modern" forum at modernvespa.com and tell them Tishabet sent you! The buyers guide at scooterlounge.com is also worth a visit. I own two myself (see signature line) and am fairly active in the Vespa and Lambretta community, there is a lot to know about these machines and some research now will save you heartache in the future e.g. for a 1959, skip the allstate or anything that was ever in Asia.

[nota]

lambretta's were bigger and faster

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Tishabet

If you are really looking seriously at old Vespas, go visit the "not so modern" forum at modernvespa.com and tell them Tishabet sent you!

Do you know Jesse Devine at modernvespa.com?

[Chocaholic]

Wasn’t necessarily “looking” for one, but just came across that ad while perusing CL. Did a regional search and found this in Savannah. My son goes to GA Southern in Statesboro so could possibly tie in a visit one weekend. Price is considerably higher and not running. What would be a reasonable offer? And...how would I know if its an Allstate or Asian?

https://savannah.craigslist.org/mcy/d/savannah-vintage-1959-vespa-150/6776641983.html

[javadog]

If I was going to restore some old crock, it would have to be something like an early 70s Yamaha DT 250.