Win a dashcam

By the time our collection’s Vespa SS90 was built in 1967 the company had produced three million of these iconic machines in varying engine sizes.

Produced in two chassis configurations, the “small frame” up to 125cc and the “large frame” models with the bigger engines. The smaller machines being ideal as inner city runabouts while the larger ones suitable for more adventurous distances, they were the “de riguer” machine for its day finding favour with film stars and such like to the everyday person around town not wishing to have their clothing spotted with oil from those dirty “naked” motorcycles.

Vespa machines were made under license in several counties around the globe; even right here in New Zealand by the company Airco Ltd in Auckland. The NZ Vespas were bought in as CKD (completely knocked down) packages and assembled in Newmarket with various parts manufactured locally as per the government rules at the time. The NZ model 90SS can be visibly distinguished by their lack of the “dummy tank” and spare wheel which were never fitted here to keep down the cost. The “normal” 90SS had a compartment shaped like a motorcycle fuel tank in the place where a proper fuel tank should be, kind of removing the “step through” aspect so popular with scooters. Often there was a spare wheel under the “tank” along the axis of the machine unlike the normal east west fitting of the spare so common in other Vespa models. Also, at a quick glance the seat base being a NZ made part was stamped by Airco showing local content. More evidence can be found in the chassis numbering system which was done by Airco and not the Italian parent factory. Probably fair to say that this little Vespa 90SS is a small part of this country’s motorcycling heritage, a little known fact even today.

The Vespa 90SS is one of the most rare models the Vespa company ever made with a production run of around only 6000 units, so have become highly desirable by collectors worldwide. Many of the NZ made ones have been swallowed up by foreign buyers of course, their lack of the dummy tank and spare tyre making them even more a collectable item.

TECHNICAL

• Vespa 90SS New Zealand model
• 90cc two stroke engine. 47mm X 51mm bore and stroke
• Four speed hand operated gearshift
• Local content items include the seat
• Ten inch wheels
• 93Kmph top speed