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
1966 Vespa SS180 Super Sport
Very original
Estimate
£7, 000 - £9, 000
Registration No: KYC 12D
Frame No: VSC1T 0017446
MOT: Exempt
British registered from new with Somerset registration
Still 6v on standard engine original parts throughout
Appears completely standard including paint
Correct numbers (Engine No: VSC1M 0017192)
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 discovered in a diseased estate collection around 2010 which became known as the ‘Quantocks collection’ being discovered in a cottage with other original Vespas just north of Taunton in Somerset. It must have been stored well as the condition is extremely good. Since then was cleaned and treated to a fuel and engine overhaul service at Disco Dez Scooters and running perfectly. The original seat is in remarkable original condition with its original cover. It has had an original replacement SS180 speedometer as the previous was broken. In our opinion the red paint all over is probably original with the black feature paint having been added possibly by a dealer back in the day. There is evidence of some overpaint underneath but no visible sign anywhere of any repair to the body. The exhaust is an original SITO period accessory. We were able to see the scooter running perfectly as can be seen by the accompanying video.
** 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.
