Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
30th Oct, 2024 13:00
1973 Vespa Rally 180
Estimate
£3, 500 - £4, 500
Registration No: OCN 94L
Frame No: VSD1T 0025622
MOT: Exempt
British registered from new
Recently professional overhaul at Disco Dez Scooters
Very original with great patina
V5C for immediate use
The Rally also known as the queen of Vespas was a large performance step up from the earlier models of the 1960’s. The 180 versions were well received for their performance and appearance. Only 26, 494 were produced before the 200 version which are more common replaced it. Generally based on the previous Super Sport the real star of the rally was its new powerful rotary valve engine. With a larger fuel tank for longer journeys and reduction in the necessary fuel mix down to 2% the Rally 180 really was a major improvement on the previous models. Still with classic lines the Rally is considered to be the last of the ‘real metal’ large engined Vespas before the P-range arrived with its many plastic parts.
We understand the the first owner from new was a Wayne Fraser of Newcastle who sold it to an Andrew Brocklehorst who in turn sold it to our vendor recently. However our vendor has also applied for a new V5C in his sons name which will add another owner. There are a number of early tax discs which give some provenance going back to 1977.
Mechanically this scooter is very good in our opinion and is in mostly original paint. The chassis number has been partially obscured by some black paint applied by a previous owner which could be removed however luckily the number was photographed before he did that. The MPH speedometer is the original and showing 9687 miles. All keys are present for steering lock, toolbox and ignition. The engine with correct number VSD1M 0025887 has been thoroughly overhauled at Disco Dez Scooters using correct parts throughout. The floor has been replaced at some point but as we agreed with the mechanic at Disco Dez the work has been done really well and it handles on the road as it should. Our consultant was also able to ride it on the road and can confirm that this is so. The scooter has new BGM wheel rims and brand new S83 Michelin tyres. This is a perfect rally going scooter with great looks and a super reliable Rally engine that is running as new. Rally 180s with this original look are very hard to find now.
