Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tuesday 25th March from 1pm
Auction: Wednesday 26th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1956 Vespa Douglas 42L2
Absolute originality
Estimate
£3, 500 - £4, 500
Registration No: Unregistered
Frame No: 01630002
MOT: Exempt
Extremely original with one reported owner from new
Very rare to find a 42L2 like this
Last on the road in 1977 confirmed by tax disc
Douglas Vespas have in recent times emerged with a special rarity and collectability status. The 42L2 although still a ‘handlebar’ Vespa was a new design and a departure from the previous Douglas Vespa models; The Rod model, and Model G and GL2 which had the headlight precariously perched on the front of the leg shield. The many changes on the new ‘world scooter’ design saw a new headlamp layout on the handlebars with a speedometer incorporated and the control switch and various engine improvements were introduced throughout. These brought the British Vespas up to a parity with the then other ‘world scooters’, the Italian ‘Struzzo’ and French ACMA V56 amongst others. The British Douglas scooters were however painted in different and unique colours from the rest of the world. The 42L2 much rarer with its shorter fuel tank than the 92L2 was uniquely sold with a bench seat as standard.
We present here a magnificent 42L2 in totally original and correct condition. Discovered in a probate house clearance it was purchased from the daughter of a lady who had used the scooter up until she had a spill in 1977 which was when it was last used on the road, although in its life with the speedometer mileage at 19133 miles she was certainly used well. Laid up in a dry garage ever since. We note that the original dealer motif is present from Moss Ltd of Cambridge. This originality is rare to see. The original bench seat cover is in remarkably good condition. The scooter is solid showing no signs of repair. The running in transfer is still visible. The original Lucas electrical equipment lights and lenses including battery are all present. We note that all over the machine it is exactly how it came out of the factory save some wash paint over the side panels which will almost certainly be easily be removed. Engine number matches the chassis and the extreme originality also stretches to the original D Douglas hand grips and even the original Pirelli tyres. The number RCE 88 could be retained with the aid of a dating certificate from the VVC of which one is included with the scooter in the sale.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
