Vespa Models

Vespa models produced by Douglas

If any member would like us to use a photo of their bike as an illustration of a particular model then please send a jpg. file to Web manager with details of the bike.

"Rod" model 1951-5
"Rod" is retro term referring to gear change mechanism - scooter was marketed as just "Vespa 125" The spec was basically that of the Piaggio 1949 model which had just been replaced. The headlight on British production was moved to the leg shields in deference to local lighting regulations.

"G" model 1953-54
The previous model with a cable gear change

GL2 1954-55
Up-to-date twin transfer port engine installed in the by-now-archaic 1949 style chassis

42L2 1955-56
Parity with Piaggio production at last with newer style chassis and front damper. The headlight was moved to the handlebars

92L2 1956-59
Modifications to the 42L2 mirrored those of Piaggio with a larger fuel tank and other detail differences

102L2 1957
The 92l2 with a 150cc engine imported from Piaggio. Just a handful were made.

152L2 1959-6
A completely new model introduced about a year after Piaggio. The rear of the chassis was constructed in two halves with a seam up the middle, and the engine bearer was now integral with the crankcase. When demand outstripped supply, a quantity of the equivalent Piaggio model (the VNA) were imported.

Sportique 1961-65
Douglas stopped producing 125cc Vespas and built instead a version of the current Piaggio 150cc model - the VBB. In an attempt to halt declining sales, various "special editions" with accessories as standard were produced. 1962 saw the Supreme in silver and the Grand Luxe in gold. 1n 1965, just before production of Vespas ended, came the Grand Tourer in metallic maroon