Vespa 1955 Handlebar 150

1955 Vespa handlebar 150.Called a “handlebar”and “wide body” model because of the distinctive exposed handlebars and wide curvy lines. It's fun to ride, 've enjoyed it and it attracts a lot attention wherever I go.

Not an Allstate And not an Asian import.

I bought it in 2010. Except for the engine it had been taken apart, oxed up and stored -- probably a long time ago. It was rust free, n primer and in good condition. With the help of a parts manual I put it back together. There is a small fatigue crack on the leg shield and the right rear fender will need some minor repair.(see photos). It is complete except for the air cleaner. I replaced what was worn out: cables, ires and tubes, ubber parts, tc. I have new rubber for the aluminum floor strips. I even have the original key for the front fork lock. The front seat is in very nice original condition and it has a detachable rear seat in nice condition that I think is original. Lights and horn work. Speedometer works and odometer reads 01495 mi. Included with the scooter are my receipts, downloaded parts manual and a 1964 registration and insurance card -- maybe from when it was taken off the road.

It starts and runs well. It's not terribly fast but it's peppy around town and fun on secondary roads. I've ridden it about 300 miles. My original intention was to assemble it, ide it for a while, nd then take it apart for paint but I never got around to painting it and it's still mostly in the primer paint that it came in. I don't think you will ever find a more rust free example.

Scooterlounge.com has a price guide for older Vespa models.

1955 frame # VL?T*55763* motor# VL1M*53964. An old 1964 registration calls it VL1, ut one source says the number on the body belongs to a VL2. I make out the stamped letters to be VL1 (see photo -- you can be the judge). It has the shorter floorboard strips and black horn of a VL1. Apparently they changed the designation mid 1955. Since it's a Vespa and not an Allstate it has the front shock and speedometer.

If you're looking for an early handlebar Vespa, think this is a good one. You can tell It's not like one of the many horror stories online about people getting Vespas pieced together and filled with bondo that look great on the outside.You can have it painted any color that you like, lthough they only came in one shade of white as far as I can tell. I can post any additional photos and I will answer any questions as best I can. I would like to sell it for local pickup. It is available for inspection in Vermont. If you must have it shipped I will do what I can to help but you must make your own arrangements. Vermont is a non-title state for pre-74 vehicles. The Vermont registration is proof of ownership in Vermont. All other states recognize that, ou can check locally with your DMV.

I tried to make this description accurate and not confusing. Please read it carefully and don't hesitate to ask questions.

As an afterthought -- I was happy to find this Vespa because in my limited experience old European motorcycle/scooters that were sold new in the U.S. are the best ones because the ones from Europe were often used every day for a long time and worn out -- the ones from Asia even more so. In the U.S. people often quickly became bored and put them away with very low mileage. Sometimes they were stored in damp conditions like barns or wet basements but this scooter escaped the damp, think because it was boxed up. Buying a project in parts is usually a mistake but I lucked out here.