Bernd Kirschner of Hola Vespa regularly helps me out with content for the VVC website News Page - see previous post on the Motovespa 125 Super here. Bernd has also contributed previous articles to the JOURNAL, see No.75 for Bernd’s feature on the Motovespa GT160.
Details of the bikes Motovespa built at their Madrid factory and the company’s backstory are sketchy but there aren’t too many better informed than Bernd. He regularly travels between Spain and his home in Bavaria, Germany, importing Spanish Vespas; overhauling them mechanically before they are returned to the road for his customers.
This time around Bernd sent these photos of this lovely 1956 Motovespa ..
“This is a Motovespa 125 N from 1956 in original condition. It was sourced for me by my
Basque friend ...
“Struzzo” (ostrich) is the nickname the Italians gave to the headlight mounted handlebar Vespa ..
The 125 N is the 5HP version from Motovespa following on from the grey faro basso model From ‘55; it’s the Spanish Struzzo scooter in answer to the Italian VL 150. Handlebar with cables, 6V Femsa ignition, 3 gears engine , 8“ wheels and frame with beadings like the old Vespa bachetta.
Very nice pillion passenger footrest..
Some funny extras on it - chrome, bag behind the legshield, extra fuel reservoir and in its first paint.”
Bernd Kirschner.
Spare wheel fuel tank by TUCO, never seen one of these before..
Spanish road tax/registration holder mounted on carb door..
Original legshield bag accessory..
View from behind, minus spare wheel fuel tank..
1956 Motovespa 125 N in its original factory paint..
Some excellent photos!! Thanks very much to Bernd who also sent me some nice shots of his amazing, original German spec, Rally 200 - more to come on that in the near future.
If you’re interested in Spanish Vespas, acquiring one, or obtaining parts for your Motovespa, get in touch with Bernd, maybe he could help you out - www.holavespa.de