Overview Vespa 150 VBA

To expand the product range between the 125 cc segment and the larger Grand Sport models, Piaggio introduced the 150 cc variants labelled "VBA" alongside the existing VNA models in 1959. These models abandoned the wider wideframe with the characteristic flap in the step-through used on the VNA series in favour of a narrower frame, which we know today as the "largeframe". An aluminium strip was added to protect the Legshield from scratches. A plastic square was used for the first time on a Piaggio Model. The scooters were delivered with a single saddle and a Luggage Rack as standard. The Speedometer was characterised by a white Face Plate and the characteristic shell design. Decorative Trims were removed in the step-through area and a Rubber Floor Mat was introduced instead. Another innovation was the indication of the engine capacity directly on the Legshield.

Model history Vespa 150 VBA

The Vespa 150 VBA, an Italian original, was particularly popular in Europe. Between 1961 and 1971, Bajaj Auto Ltd, a licence partner of Piaggio, produced this model for the Indian market. After the licence agreement expired, Bajaj continued to produce the model from 1971 to 1976, but under the name "Bajaj 150". The story does not end here: from 1976 to 1992, the VBA continued to be manufactured and sold in India in modified form as the Priya by Maharashtra Scooters Ltd ("MSL", a subsidiary of Bajaj). This Italian classic from the 1960s remained popular in India until the 1990s, which also explains why the supply of spare parts for the VBA is so good.

The Engine of the Vespa 150 VBA

The newly developed Engine had a rotary valve control for the first time. One of the crank webs was equipped with a cut-out that allowed the fuel-air mixture to flow into the crankcase according to the desired intake timing. When the intake was not required, the crank web closed the opening in the engine block. This system was not only extremely reliable and low-maintenance, but also significantly improved the lubrication of the crankshaft drive. The lower connecting rod bearing benefited directly from this cooling and lubricating flow of fresh gas. Originally, the Engine was limited to three gears. On the carburettor side, an SI 20/17 carburettor from the automotive sector was used, which drew air out of the frame through a rubber intake bellows. This design principle was retained right up to the latest models in the PX series.

Used Vespa 150 VBA market situation

Where are you looking for this vehicle?

• At your trusted Vespa dealer

• Classified adverts in the local newspaper

• Markets and trade fairs such as Mostra Scambis in Italy

• Online marketplaces such as www.mobile.de, www.autoscout24.de etc.

Other Vespa 150 VBA

The Rear Light was painted in the same colour as the Frame and differed from the later Sprint Rear Lights by having separate chambers for the Rear Light and Brake Light, with the Brake Light having a tapered shape at the top. This special Rear Light was also fitted on the GS 150 / VS4 models from 1958 and the VS5 models of the first series from 1959/60, at least on the Italian versions. The Swiss models of the VNB1 were also fitted with this Rear Light.
According to the Elenco Generale, the new Rear Light and the Headlight Unit of the subsequent VBB1T were fitted to the later VBA models from 1960 onwards with frame number VBA1T110486. This also meant that the control glass in the Handlebar for checking the city light was no longer required, as it was now integrated in the Reflector. As a result, the Handlebars of the VBB1T were used without this control glass. A Light Switch with a chrome cover was introduced from frame number VBA1T76050 onwards.

The colours of the Vespa 150 VBA:

Colour	Colour Name	Max Meyer Code	Colour info
	Azzurro Metallizato	1.268.0667
	Nocciola	3000M

Sources