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
1958 Vespa ACMA 125 V57
Extremely original including paint
Estimate
£2, 000 - £3, 000
Registration No: 114 XWD
Frame No: 288974
MOT: Exempt
Very rare model in the UK
Largely complete with engine in place
V5C registered in the UK
At the end of the 1940s the Vespa did not go unnoticed internationally and a few early VIT examples were imported or trialled by various individuals in several European countries prior to 1950 including France. A group of investors in France led by Prince Marc de Beauva-Craon formed Sarl ACMA (Ateliers de Construction de Motocycles et Accessoires) in May 1950 with the intention of licensing the Vespa from Piaggio. The company was well capitalised and swiftly set up a large factory at Fourchambault near Nevers in a huge defunct aviation factory. The relationship between Piaggio and ACMA was close from the beginning and scores of Italian engineers were sent as advisers during the set up of the license between the two companies. In June 1950 sales of directly imported Vespa versions V13T, V14T and V15T were sold by ACMA and in the latter part of 1950 alone some 1176 Italian units were sold. After these all subsequent scooters were entirely French produced.
ACMA was initially a successful enterprise passing the 100, 000 units sold mark as early as 1954 and even manufacturing a small car the Vespa 400. Despite all of the early success the company faced a series of setbacks at the end of the 1950s. Declining scooter sales, fierce market competition and other small cars on the market from more established manufacturers forced the business into liquidation and the factory site was purchased by SIMCA in 1961.
This example is one of the last ‘handle bar’ ACMA Vespa models produced and is in extremely original condition. Despite appearances, it is relatively complete, missing the rear hub and wheel and a few other minor parts. It comes with a bonus Ardor screen and deluxe rear sprung carrier, which in itself can command a decent price on the accessory market. It is already registered for use on the road in the UK and would make a very worthwhile and attractive conservation project. Elsewhere in this auction you will also have the opportunity to buy a complete and 'verified as working' ACMA engine that would fit straight into this machine.
** 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.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
