Registration: 744 XUY
Frame: JA29874
Mileage: 00003
MOT: Exempt

• 125cc 2-stroke single
• 4-speed manual
• Lovely restored bike
• Registration number included
• Full UK V5
• HPi clear

The Douglas company of Kingswood, Bristol, commenced motorcycle production in 1907. By 1948 it was effectively bankrupt, actually going into receivership that year. When on holiday in Italy the same year the Managing Director, Claude McCormack, caught sight of a Vespa and soon made arrangements with Piaggio to build it under licence in Bristol. The early Vespas were almost entirely built in Britain. The Douglas Foundry churned out items such as engine bearers, clutch covers and cylinder heads, whilst from the machinery shop came gear clusters, brake drums and much else besides. Most of the pressings were made by Pressed Steel in Birmingham. After the introduction of the 152L2 model, more parts were sourced from Piaggio.

The Douglas factory was always, however, more than a mere assembly plant. There was a proper assembly line and a paint shop with infrared drying equipment. Amongst the ‘bought in’ components was quite a lot of ‘local content’, items such as saddles, carbs, tyres and some electrical components being British made. Vespa production ceased in 1965 after 126,230 units had been completed.

This bike has been come as part of a deceased estate and the owner has had it since 2011 as part of his collection of scooters. It is in superb condition and has had a full restoration at some point but it has been stood for some time due to ill health, so will require recommissioning prior to riding. It comes with a full UK V5 showing that it was imported into the UK in 2011 and carries the registration number ‘744 XUY’ which appears to be transferable.