Robin Davy - one of the best known vespa collectors – and his Munich scooterist friends ("Rollerfreunde") had invited us to a quite extraordinary event in Upper Bavarian Seefeld (Pilsensee): “100 Fari Bassi”. ‘Faro Basso’ is Italian and simply means ‘Low Headlight’. The term is used to describe the first series of Vespa scooters, which had their headlight positioned in the lower front area right on the fender, hence the name ‘Fenderlight Vespa’. In spite of the rainy weather, about 200 Vespa enthusiasts from Germany, Austria, Italy, Sweden, Finnland, Belgium, France and the UK responded to the call and came together in Schloss Seefeld, only 25km from us here in Landsberg. Sorted by type, year of construction, and colour, about 120 rare scooters formed one of those beautiful pictures that you hardly ever get the chance to see. Rarities like the Vespa U-model, V98, Sei Giorni, licensed editions like the Vespas constructed by Acma, Hoffmann and Douglas, some of them in unbelievably good original shape, let the collectors hearts beat a little bit faster. And even more so in combination with the stately ambience of the castle and the great atmosphere in the brewpub… Chapeau for the location and the unique scooter lineup!
In the afternoon there was a paper chase through the hinterland and of course some tough vespisti took part, never minding the pouring rain. Later in the afternoon all participants formed a corso to Stegen at the Ammersee. Passersby were amazed, when they saw this rare kind of group making their way through the Lakeland. Once arrived at the pier, the rain finally ceased and the Vespafreunde’s performance – a stunning acrobatics show - could start. The audience was delighted and well-entertained we entered the waiting steamboat MS Herrsching and started our cruise on the Ammersee, having dinner and a lot to talk about. A wonderful live band played on the upper deck and rocked the boat despite the freezing temperatures – an amazing end of a terrific Vespa event.
More than 120 images on flickr!
http://www.vespafreun.de/100
Posted
Jun 21 2010, 03:03
by
Ralf