Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
30th Oct, 2024 13:00
1957 Motovespa 125 N
Attractive and recommissioned
Estimate
£3, 500 - £4, 500
Registration No: 729 XVX
Frame No: VT60306
CC: 125
MOT: Exempt
Restored example
Very presentable
Full engine rebuild by Matthew Phillips
V5C present for use on UK roads
Motovespa from Ciudad, near Madrid had been manufacturing Vespas under license since 1956 broadly manufacturing models in line with the Italian ranges. Many of the parts were supplied from Italy (Piaggio) and France (ACMA) from the beginning and then later models had many Italian Piaggio supplied parts and this did not alter until the last MotoVespas were produced. The 125 N was the first fully Spanish built wide frame Vespa after the grey Faro Basso type. It retained the crimped beading on the frame sides., which is a desirable effect. Often referred to as the Spanish ‘Struzzo’ (Italian for Ostrich) it resembled the Italian VL range. It had many features the same as the Struzzo including cabled handlebars, 3 gears, 8 inch wheels and Femsa ignition. The engines were supplied by ACMA until the end of the 1950s.
Here we present a very attractive example that has been the subject of a restoration and full mechanical overhaul by Matthew Phillips, arguably the UKs leading engine expert on wide frame Vespas, using all period and correct parts. It is still standard correct V56 ACMA 125 and running on 6v points. As a lovely touch and a nod back to its origins the scooter comes with its original owners plaque with the name of Mr Alonso. And in addition to that our vendor imported it directly from a relative of the original owner Silvano Sans Alonso and still from its original home town of Igualada, a suburb of Barcelona.
Our vendor imported it in 2022 in the metallic green colour that we see it now. In addition to having it completely overhauled he has taken it through the UK registration process and it is now ready to enjoy on the road. The scooter appears to consist of almost all of its original parts and includes some attractive accessories. Everything appears to work well and our consultant was able to ride the scooter some distance to confirm this at the time of consignment.
