Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
30th Oct, 2024 13:00
1958 Vespa VB1T Custom 221 ‘Vespamania’
Estimate
£4, 000 - £5, 000
Registration No: 297 YUG
Frame No: VB1T85296
CC: 221
MOT: Exempt
Impressive level custom creation by renowned Vespa expert
Magazine featured
A subtle blend of old and new
Precision engineered detail all over
Pinstriping by the late John ‘Letterknight’
V5C and ready for the road
We present here an intriguing custom vintage incarnation based on an early 1958 VB1 (known in the UK as a Clubman) and a performance 221cc Pollini engined conversion of a VSE1M 200 engine. There are many impressive innovations throughout. The ‘Clubman’ immediately followed the last of the VL models models retaining their classic lines and wasp like shape but with a headlight mounted on the handlebars and a closer nod to the already famous GS range.
This project was said to be at the time the piece de resistance by the vendor and is famous in scootering circles in the East Midlands scooter groups. He is a very well respected engineer and fabricator highly sought after for his Vespa engine work in the East Midlands. It took 12 months to compete. It is difficult to know where to start with this fabulous creation as there are so many innovations all over the machine that dovetail and complement each other. Based on a VB1 frame which was chosen for its dainty shape as a ‘mini GS’ and the attractiveness of the clamshell speedometer. The side panel has an ingenious spring loaded rear catch utilising a seat catch The paintwork was done after all correct preparation by Craig at The Scooter Paint Shop and pinstriped by the late John ‘Letterknight’ famous for his hand paint work on narrowboats.
The scooter and engine were both sourced directly in the UK. Many original parts were retained including: The original frame and body panels were not modified in shape throughout except with a modification to the front mudguard to accept the upgraded front shock and original handlebar assembly on which has been specially engraved an extra 4th gear. The PX forks with 10 inch wheel were modified to take the GS style Clubman headset. The front brakes are a PX disc with SIP hydraulic caliper and with braided hose on the cable we are informed it 'stops on a tanner’. The wheels are stainless split rim type with new condition Conti Twist tyres.
The engine has been modified with a Polini 180 cylinder and barrel and a 60mm Temeni crank taking the capacity up to 221cc. The exhaust is a SIP Road 2 with specially extended tailpipe. The choke is positioned in an offset position to suit the new engine. We are told by the vendor that the performance is extremely good and the scooter will cruise at 60MPH but will go to 70MPH quite easily whenever necessary. He said it is lovely to ride and feels safe. The electrics have been converted to a quality Ducati 12v system with Cdi and the regulator is hidden well inside the side tool box which is rubber lined on the tool box floor. The seat is a specially bespoke made wide ‘Super Gandolphi’ style with pinball type catch. It was covered with a soft fluted trim by revered trim expert Richard Flavell.
Other innovations that we noticed were that there is now an extra tool box in the former carburettor compartment and a specially made auxiliary fuel tank within the spare wheel positioned inside the leg shield which holds exactly 2 litres of fuel. The scooter is enhanced by a retractable side saddle step, a sprint type rack and and engineered stainless mudflap. The scooter was the focus of an article in ‘Classic Scooterist’ magazine in June 2012. We were able to see the scooter running well as can be seen by the below video taken at the time of consignment.
