1964 Douglas Vespa 125cc Sportique Registration Number: BFB...

Estimate

£2,500 - £3,000

1964 Douglas Vespa 125cc Sportique

Registration Number: BFB 534B
Frame Number: 5HE 24276
Engine Number: 5EB 614

Motorcycle manufacturer Douglas had been producing quality motorcycles since 1907, but sadly by 1948 the company was effectively bankrupt. Vespa stepped in and formed an alliance with Douglas in 1949, the parent company Piaggio then started planning production of the Vespa in the Douglas works in Bristol. The alliance was formed purely by accident; when Douglas MD Claude McCormack was on holiday in Italy, he was intrigued by the scores of Vespa scooters buzzing around, he approached Piaggio and offered the facility to build the Vespa scooters in the defunct Douglas works. The first Douglas Vespa to be built was on display on the Douglas stand at the motorcycle show at Earls Court in 1949, but production did not actually start until 1954.

By 1965 production had ceased, after 126,230 units were built, of which very few survive today. The Sportique was the last model produced by Douglas, having produced predominantly 125cc machines, a decision was made to build a Grand Tourer with a 150cc engine, the VBB Sportique was born.

Subject to a previous restoration, this original 125cc Sportique, finished in Wessex Red, is presented in good running condition, and is offered complete with a current V5C.