The Spares Company
Club Shop/Regalia
Parent Website
Contact Officials
Machine Registrar
Club Secretary
Membership Secretaries
MPH Editor and Forum Administrator.
Section Newsletters
Technical Databases
Photos
Home
What's new
Latest activity
Forums
New posts
What's new
New posts
Latest activity
Information
Bike Modifications
Machine Data Services
Manufacturers Manuals
Spare Parts Listings
Technical Diagrams
Whitakerpedia (Vincent Wiki)
The Club
MPH Material Archive
Flogger's Corner
Obituaries
VOC Sections
Local Sections
Local Section Newsletters
Miscellaneous
Club Assets
Club History
Club Rules
Machine Data Services
Meeting Documents
Miscellaneous
Essential Reading
Magazine/Newspaper Articles/Letters
Adverts and Sales Brochures
The Mighty Garage Videos
Bikes For Sale (Spares Company)
Log in
Register
What's new
New posts
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Home
Forums
Forums: Public Access
General Chat (Vincent Related)
Miller D6 Dynamo End Cover
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Pharquarx" data-source="post: 9172" data-attributes="member: 1536"><p>As I understand it, Piaggio's (the manufacturer of Vespa) strategy post war was to engage companies to manufacture within the country that they wanted to sell to. Hence, one has the Douglas Vespa for example, of which the rod model was based on the 1949 Piaggio produced Vespa body with the UK Douglas running gear. The body styling differences were subtle, such as the front light on the front fender for the Italian model and on the cowl for the UK model, different badge, etc.</p><p> </p><p>In Germany, Hoffmann was originally engaged to produce Vespas for the German market in the early 50s. After Piaggio and Hoffmann had a falling out in the mid-50s, Messerschmitt was engaged to build for the German market. The really nice thing about the Messerschmitts is that the body was German built and sturdy as all get out, but the running gear was Piaggio with it's proven operation and design. Styling wise however, a Vespa is a Vespa is a Vespa. I think this arrangement remained in place from 1956 to 1958.</p><p> </p><p>My story is that I was never allowed anything motorized on two wheels growing up. Now that I am 60 (and an orphan) I get to do what I want. The scooters were my original two wheel interest. My first real motorcycle is the 1950 Vincent Comet that I now have, nothing like starting off right!!!!!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Pharquarx, post: 9172, member: 1536"] As I understand it, Piaggio's (the manufacturer of Vespa) strategy post war was to engage companies to manufacture within the country that they wanted to sell to. Hence, one has the Douglas Vespa for example, of which the rod model was based on the 1949 Piaggio produced Vespa body with the UK Douglas running gear. The body styling differences were subtle, such as the front light on the front fender for the Italian model and on the cowl for the UK model, different badge, etc. In Germany, Hoffmann was originally engaged to produce Vespas for the German market in the early 50s. After Piaggio and Hoffmann had a falling out in the mid-50s, Messerschmitt was engaged to build for the German market. The really nice thing about the Messerschmitts is that the body was German built and sturdy as all get out, but the running gear was Piaggio with it's proven operation and design. Styling wise however, a Vespa is a Vespa is a Vespa. I think this arrangement remained in place from 1956 to 1958. My story is that I was never allowed anything motorized on two wheels growing up. Now that I am 60 (and an orphan) I get to do what I want. The scooters were my original two wheel interest. My first real motorcycle is the 1950 Vincent Comet that I now have, nothing like starting off right!!!!! [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
The Series 'A' Rapide was known as the '********' Nightmare?
Post reply
Home
Forums
Forums: Public Access
General Chat (Vincent Related)
Miller D6 Dynamo End Cover
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
Accept
Learn more…
Top