My Italian amico and VVC member, Federico Savogin, in Busto Arsizio, Lombardia just north of Milan, was the recipient of a surprise gift recently. His elderly neighbour sadly lost her husband and knowing Fede is crazy about vintage Vespas (owner of an SS180, GL150, Sprint Veloce, 150 Sprint, Rally 180, PX200 Arcobaleno amongst others…) she asked if he’d like her husband’s VB1T 150, Douglas called the UK version the ‘Clubman’. I’m not quite sure if the lady gifted Fede the Vespa or asked him to sell it on her behalf? Anyway, not in need of another Vespa for his already large collection, or maybe he’s not a fan of this particular model, Fede moved it on to one of his Vespa mates.
The VB1T 150, produced between 1957-58, had three gears and was the last of the wideframe Vespas; now complete with a fully enclosed headset and subsequently very GS like in appearance. I’m a fan of this model and photographed a beautifully restored example carried out by Retrospective Scooters and The London Scooter Bodyshop here which followed the Italian VB1T form, only ever produced in Max Meyer Code 15028M, Grigio Azzuro Metallizzato or blue metallic grey, whereas this one I photographed for ScooterNova magazine, followed the Clubman form with the dual seat and Douglas choice of paint colour.
Back to the ‘barn find’ of sorts - I don’t think Fede knew of its existence and it had been stored away and laid up for a good few years and was still with its Italian documents..
Some photos below showing a few details..
Tyre text reads: FABRICATO IN ITALIA TORINO - made in Turin, Italy.
VA - Varese district registration.
You may have noticed the rather dull, flat matt paint is not really what you’d call blue metallic grey - you’d be right and at some point this VB1T was overpainted, why, who knows but with a little gentle sanding you can still see the original colour revealed underneath..
The new owner has a project on his hands, whether that’s a full blown restoration or taking it back to its original paint…
“You ain’t seen us right..?”
Mille grazie, many thanks to Federico Savogin for sharing this lovely piece of history.
If you have something you’d like to share on the News Page of the VVC website or to be considered for the JOURNAL, please email me at vespamore@hotmail.co.uk
Thanks - Paul Hart (VVC Editor).