Vespa U 125 scooter is one of the most sought after by collectors

Vespa only produced 7,000 pieces. The Vespa U scooter is one of the most sought after by collectors. Created in 1953 as an economy model.

The letter "U" stands for utility. This was designed to counteract competition from Lambretta.

The "Utility" version with spartan styling, which is sold for cheaper than the more modern 125. The headlamp appeared high up on the handlebar for the first time in Italy (it had already been introduced on a number of exported models).

The bonnet is bent at the frame and visibly screwed to the frame with 4 slotted screws. Also, the smaller luggage compartment jaw is fixed with 8 screws; a grey rubber profile is underlaid. The castrated design of the bonnet allows unhindered removal of the spark plug, the luggage compartment lid has no lever and must be lifted at a small elevation and a shaped spring.

Vespa 125 (U)

The "U" (utilitaria = practical) was Piaggio's savings model and was quite a flop: everyone who had enough money at that time bought the next better model. That's why only about 2000 of the 7,000 copy built were sold. 3500 of them went to Iran in 1955 (after being stockpiled by Piaggio for two years), where they were converted for the post office with a huge luggage rack plate plus the front carrier. What happened to the remaining 500 or so copies has not been found out until today. But exactly the relatively small number of pieces combined with the unusual optics makes the "U" a sought-after collector's item.

Buy Vespa now for investment and fashion.

Vespa is a truly global brand and a veritable world citizen, with manufacturing sites in three countries. Pontedera in the heart of Tuscany, and Vespa’s home since 1946, is the production base for Europe and all western markets, including the Americas. The Far East is served by Vinh Phuc in Vietnam, whilst the newest site in Baramati was opened in April 2012 to produce Vespas for the Indian market.

Vin Number of 

VESPA 125

1953 VU1T -1001-7001