Vespa 180 Super Sport 1967
Vespa developed by aircraft maker Piaggio after World War II, the Vespa was designed by Corradino d'Ascanio as cheap utilitarian transport. It has become one of the most successful vehilces ever produced and continues in production over 50 years later.
The name Vespa - Italian for "wasp" - derives fromits buzzing exhaust note. The first version in 1946 had a 98cc horizontal two-stroke engine with fan cooling and a twistgrip-operated three speed gearbox. It had pressed - steel monocoque frame and bodywork with detachable pressed - steel wheels and 8 in tyres. Capacity gradually increased with 125cc, 150cc, 160cc, 180cc, and 200cc models being made. An extr gear was added and the wheels were increased in size to 10 in, but the basic structure remained unchanged. A 50cc version was built from 1963. The Vespa was and still is, built under licence in many countries. Piaggio introduced a new range of plastic-bodied scooters in 1990, but the traditional Vespa model continues in production.
My Vespa 180 Super Sport 1967
Luckily, the engine and gearbox didn't need too much work, apart from replacing bearings, through several seals had to be renewed. Crank and piston were still usable. The major headache of restoration was the badly damaged chassis. Many of new parts were sourced from Christian Gschaider Pyynikintie 17 C 35 Tampere Finland. (www.vespisti.fi).
These are some shots of my Vespa. Right a great moment,
paintwork finished.
Click on any picture to make it bigger
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1. The entire engine gearbox unitpivots to provide rear
suspension. Generous air filter on carburettor ensures nothing that shouldn't be is
inhaled.
2. Vespa's trademark is hidden fuel tank under the seat.
3. Choke, gas tap and bag hook.
4. View of the rear, showing the name of badge and tail light.
5. Close - up of the handlebars, showing the controls and speedometer. Slim, elegant
blade-type lever typical for an Italian lightweight of the period.
6. Single sided front fork uses a tailing link suspension system.
7. Wheels are interchangeable and mounted on stub axles like a car.
8. View of the right.
9. Front model name motif and trapezoidal headlight.
10. The gearchange is operated by a twistgrip system on the left handlebar.
Specification:
Model: Vespa VSC1T 180 Super Sport
Engine: 181,145cc one cylinder fan cooled two-stroke. Bore x
stroke 62 x 60mm. Compression 7,7:1. Dellorto carburettor.
Transmission: Dry multiplate clutch/gear primary drive. Four
speed gearbox.
Tyres: 3.25 x 10 front and rear.
Brakes: 5 in single leading shoe front, 4 in single leading shoe rear.
Performance: 10 bhp at 6250 rpm. 110 km/h. Standing 1 km 33
s 106km/h. Touring fuel consumption 2.4l/100km.
DREAM TIME
Starting ritual is so easy it's almost unworthy of mention. A single kick and the business is all over. While you sit astride the Vespa waiting for the motor to warm, you can try the steering, brake levers and clutch action. All is commendably smooth. Acceleration certainly won't shred tyres, but the Vespa's more than able to keep pace with town traffic and on the country roads I am sure 100 km/h could be maintaned with little more than a whiff of throttle.
Vespa and road go together, so where better to enjoy the open road than on a 1500km midnight sun ride across north Lapland and Norway?
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12. and 13. Ready for the road. The little Vespa is a
surprisingly practical and economical. The Vespa attracts 'wows' everywhere it
appears. It's not only pretty as a picture, it represents the start of an era.
14. and 15. 20.6.2002 Midnight Sun ride to Norway 1500km. View from
Karesuvanto at the midnight, backround jietariver and road to Norway.
I enjoy riding this rare tiddler much more than the 'big is beautiful' enthusiasts can imagine.
But is the Vespa Super Sport a classic? Synonyms for classic listed in my dictionary include ideal, best, finest, exellent. Before any bike should be considered for classic status it should first of all have been a legend in its own time. I regard my Vespa SS 1967 - it looks great. It is certaily a classic.
"Con Vespa si puo (You can with Vespa)"
E-Mail: nasser@luukku.com