Classic Vespa 150 in Thailand

Everyone knows that Vespa is made in Italy. However, during the year 1960-1970, Vespa was also produced in India by Bajaj company. Then, after the contract between Piaggio and Bajaj had ended, Bajaj continued its scooter production with quite the same look as Vespa 150 under the Bajaj badge.

In Thailand, classic Vespas have been in higher and higher demand, especially for the 1964 Vespa 150, due to its sexy and cutie shape. The supply of this model is surely not enough and then, the price is getting higher and higher. A solution? turning a newer model to the 1964 one. But, the newer Vespas are now also become classic too so, not much transformation had been done.

Some smart people who got background living in India have a nice solution for us. They imported Bajaj-made vespa and also Bajaj scooters that look pretty much the same as Vespa to Thailand. Then, make some cosmetic and wow.... it's a 1964 Vespa replica!!

My first "Vespa" - Made in India, transformed to 1959 Vespa 150 by Thai fabricators.

That was a good news for a low-budget 1964 Vespa lover. But, for people who needs the real Italian made Vespa, they have to learn a lot about how to tell the difference.

My first "Vespa" is an Indian made that was transformed to be the 1959 Vespa 150. I am not so sure if it is a real made in India Vespa or a Bajaj scooter. Anyway, I think it is very lovely and I love it very much.

However, deep in my mind, I still needed a real Italian made Vespa. So, I had been searching for the real one with a minimal knowledge on Vespa. But, finally, I found the real one.

How can I tell? Well... for this one... very easy... when looking to these pictures, you know right away.

When touching the paint, I can feel the original.


Vespa 150 badge, still shiny.



"Siem" logos, on both chrome ring and the glasses, really tell something original too.


"Veglia" with "P" for Piaggio on the speedometer.
Cannot see them clearly but,enough to say that it's original.


"Siem" switches to control all electric devices, in a tiny little pack.


I don't know much about this horn but, it shows IGM-... which means something from EU.
And... "Milano" says that i am from Italy.


Steering lock made out of brass.


Choke knob is now dead. But, the fuel control stick is still working.


The gas cap looks different from any new re-production part.


Engine cover lock lever.


Rear brake pedal and the floor rails with endcaps, all original.


Because of the "Monocoque" body, metal parts are attached by spot welding.
Noticeable here.


And... here... it would be difficult to see this if the body was re-painted


And.. here.. the front wheel fender should be made out of 2 metal sheets.

Engine cover, original primer can be seen on the back.

The engine, most of them are original. But, the exhaust silencer is a re-production.
I hope I could get an original one soon.

Piaggio logo used to be a square shield shape with a big P inside. Then, the company changed its logo to be in a Hexagon shape with a mirroring P inside.

People are searching for "P", just to prove that all parts are original and they were made from the right year. Now, let's do the same.

On the engine, there is one here.

One on the front axle.

Hard to see but, there is one in the shade of the engine fan's edge.

And, one on the carburetor cover with IGM-... again...

This article tend to be a knowledge-based content. However, there might be some missing information or misunderstanding. If you have any information to add, please do not hesitate. Your information will be very welcome.