Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
30th Oct, 2024 11:00
1955 Douglas Vespa GL2
Rare open wing twin-port Vespa
Registration No: Unregistered
Frame No: 415573
MOT: Exempt
An opportunity to acquire one of the world’s rarest Vespas
Produced on 4th January 1951
One of only an estimated 40 GL2 survivors in the world*
* Source VVC Veteran Vespa club
As the understanding of wide-frame ‘handlebar vespas becomes more widespread it is still a little known fact that the Douglas GL2 is possibly the most desirous Vespa model to emerge in recent times. The reasons for this is again down to Douglas’ slowness to keep up with improvements that were happening globally to Vespa bodywork. It encompassed the new twin port engine that the Piaggio VM1 and ACMA V54 range were using but was still stuck with the old Italian 1950 V30 style bodywork. Made only for a matter of months only 5505 GL2s were made and according to VVC archives only 40 are known to still exist. The result is that the GL2 has the best of both worlds with the old open wing style which today is far more desirous but the engine can be made to go like a rocket quite easily.
Following the ‘Rod model’ launched in March 1951 and made until early 1954. The model G was launched in 1954 and differed from the rod model in that the gear control was by cable replacing the rod shift of earlier models. Despite this advancement the model G was still only on a par with the Italian V30 which had had the same dimensions and mechanical features since 1949. The GL2 was next to appear and was very similar to the G but fitted with the aforementioned twin port engine. The result in today's international collectors market is that British built Douglas Vespas have in recent times emerged with a really special rarity and collectibility status and the GL2 is one of the rarest off them all, and arguably the best when considering looks and practicality combined. The GL2 retained the beautiful lines and shape of the very early Italian Vespas except that the headlight was located on the front of the leg shield. It is the only ‘open wing’ (showing the flywheel) Vespa ever produced in the world with the twin port engine (upgradeable modern kits from Pinasco, Bollag, Enderle etc will fit easily whilst retaining the original engine casing).
Here we offer a complete example in very presentable condition. We note that many of the the original parts have been retained all over the machine and wherever necessary original specification Douglas parts have been used in the restoration. It has a twin port genuine Douglas Service Replacement engine which retains its GL2 specification. We are informed that it was in full running condition when last asked to start. It has the rare Douglas supplied optional accessory rear rack and spare wheel holder. There are no documents but given the clear chassis number and assistance available from the Veteran Vespa Club registering this for the road should be a formality. Think wedding vehicle or special display?
