Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
30th Oct, 2024 13:00
1966 Vespa SS180 Super Sport (221)
Eddy Grimstead ‘Hurricane’ Tribute
Estimate
£5, 500 - £6, 500
Registration No: OGU 801D
Frame No: VSC1T 0014622
CC: 221
MOT: Exempt
Superb restored example
Professionally specified engineering
Appears standard
V5 present for use on UK roads
The Vespa SS180 introduced in 1964 was at the time the fastest production model Piaggio had ever made. Superseding the GS160 Mk2 it was initially going to be designated the GS Mk3 as Vespa archives state. It retained the large tool box on the inside of the leg shield from the GS160 Mk2 and with 10 inch wheels and 4 gears its 181cc motor produced 10HP and gave a top speed of 65MPH. It was the last Vespa model with a piston ported engine. The most noticeable feature is the trapezoidal headlight which it shared with smaller sister models the GL150 and 125. Around 35700 were produced between 1964 and 1968 and today these are highly sought after as fast and elegant and seen as the height of 60s modernist style.
This genuine Italian SS180 was purchased by our vendor 18 years ago. He is a very well respected engineer and fabricator highly sought after for his Vespa engine work in the East Midlands. This is one of the finest from his own collection. Having aways been an admirer of Eddy Grimstead 60s customisations he set out 6 years ago to create the optimum machine in both appearance and performance. With a blank canvas and many years of experience he chose to create an engine from scratch using the best in modern parts known to be available to him. Starting with a brand new Pinasco 200cc complete engine casing the chosen power plant was a Polini 180 cylinder and barrel with a Temeni 60mm crank taking the capacity up to 221cc . The carburettor is a 26mm Spacco and the whole power plant is finished off with a SIP Road 2 exhaust. In our vendors words the scooter is easily capable of 70MPH and with a reliability unknown to most SS180 machines.
The body work was also subject to the full works with a new floor professionally fitted and the side panel louvres repaired before a high quality paint work applied in the style of a Grimstead Hurricane. The electrics have been converted to Ducati 12v and the ignition appears to be the original SIEM as are the lights. The horn however is the original 6v which we are told works perfectly with 12v supply. The handling aspect is covered on the front end by a SIP hydraulic adjustable damper for excellent road holding and new Conti Twist tyres.
The seat is a SIP quality new Aquila correct style replica. The speedometer is a replacement however the original is supplied with the lot and will need repair should the vendor prefer to use it. We noted that the original battery tray is in place and the regulator is hidden there. All keys are present for the original Neimann steering lock and Zadi toolbox lock. Decoratively the scooter is finished off with superbly fitting Scootopia Ulma style Florida bars with matching dark green insert gems to match the paint work and a Feridax style screen with correct end dome nuts. Naturally we were able to see the scooter in full running condition confirmed by the below video taken at the time of consignment.
