Overview Vespa 150 GS (VDTS)

The Vespa 150 GS (VS1-5T) is one of the most sought-after and style-defining models in Piaggio's history. Its name suffix "Gran Sport" is by no means just a marketing gimmick - it was actually the first Vespa ready for large-scale production that introduced sporty genes into scooter construction through consistent further development. At the same time, it marked a turning point in scooter history: performance, design and prestige increasingly took centre stage, which quickly made the GS 150 a status symbol of the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Model history Vespa 150 GS (VDTS)

• VS1T (first presentation from 1957)
  Piaggio took a bold step with the VS1T: for the first time, the expertise gained in racing was comprehensively incorporated into a production scooter series. The Engine was based directly on the experience gained from the "Sei Giorni" factory racers, and the performance values set standards at the time: 8 hp at 7,500 rpm. Although Piaggio's official top speed of 100 km/h was usually only achieved under ideal conditions, it unmistakably demonstrated the GS's aspirations. With its typical silver colour and strikingly shaped Legshield, it also broke completely new ground visually. The most striking distinguishing features of the first series were the Bowden cables and wires running along the outside of the Handlebar.

• VS2T (from 1956)
  Because it appeared shortly after the VS1T, the VS2T is regarded as its successor. Among other things, Piaggio revised the Ignition System and made slight changes to the carburettor jetting. The exhaust system was also adapted: The Exhaust is now clamped to the Exhaust Manifold Stub, instead of a union nut. Visually, the redesigned Handlebar immediately catches the eye: from the VS2T onwards, all cables and wires run inside. In addition, the speedometer is white, the Single Seat remains in a sporty, elegant dark blue colour and the Legshield has been protected with a chrome-plated mono slotted tube.

• VS3T (from 1957)
  Compared to the VS2T, hardly anything changed apart from the new frame abbreviation. The technology and appearance remained essentially unchanged, while the performance and design concept of the Gran Sport proved their worth and were consolidated.

• VS4T (from 1958)
  Slight modifications were made to the carburettor (Dell'Orto UB23S3) and the rear brake: Brake Pads are now mounted separately for better braking performance. The most striking external detail is the new Rear Light with integrated Brake Light. The chrome-plated Rear Light Body holds a red Rear Light Lens and an orange-coloured Brake Light Lens. In addition, the locking mechanism of the Side Panels was simplified.

• VS5T (from 1959 to 1961)
  The final expansion stage of the GS 150, the VS5T, brought further noticeable improvements: From engine number 0070120, the Cylinder Head was given a so-called "jockey cap" shape for greater elasticity. The Carburettor changed to Dell'Orto UB23S31, and the rated speed was reduced to 7,000 rpm. Instead of the previous star rims, Piaggio fitted self-venting die-cast aluminium BrakeDrums with a stainless steel cover. The speedometer was shell-shaped and significantly larger; it reached up to 120 km/h as before. The SIEM headlight trim ring was chrome-plated and had an integrated lampshade. On early VS5T versions, the Rear Light Body was painted silver, later it was chrome-plated (again).

The Engine of the Vespa 150 GS (VDTS)

The Engine of the GS 150 was a small sensation at the time. It was based directly on the successful racing engines of the "Sei Giorni" races and was square in design with a 57 mm bore and 57 mm stroke. The large 23 mm direct intake (Dell'Orto carburettor) in conjunction with a customised exhaust system ensured the sporty character. The Clutch was reinforced for the higher performance so that the power could be transferred cleanly to the rear wheel. The GS 150 was also famous for its "turbine-like revving", whereby the typical 2-stroke mixture ratio of 6 % seems quite high from today's perspective, but was quite common at the time.

Situation on the used Vespa 150 GS (VDTS) market

On today's vintage and classic scooter market, the 150 GS (VS1-5T) has cemented its reputation as a collector's item. Due to the comparatively low number of units - depending on the source, the GS 150 was produced between around 80,000 and 100,000 times in total (across all series) - it is much rarer than other Vespa models of its time. The early VS1T and VS2T series are particularly sought-after and sometimes fetch very high prices at auctions or among collectors.
The price range depends heavily on the condition: unrestored vehicles with original parts and a little patina can now fetch higher prices than older, poorly executed "complete restorations". Anyone looking for a truly original GS 150 should seek advice from experienced experts, as replica parts and modified engines can quickly reduce the value. Good to very good examples are often in the region of 10,000 to 15,000 euros and above, depending on the rarity of the series and the region in which you are looking. Although spare parts are still available, they are becoming increasingly rare, which is reflected in rising spare part prices. Where do you look for this vehicle?

• At your trusted Vespa dealer

• Classified adverts in the local newspaper

• Markets and trade fairs such as Mostra Scambio in Italy

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

Other Vespa 150 GS (VDTS)

• Importance in the scooter market: The Vespa GS 150 was not only a great success for Piaggio, but is also considered in retrospect to be one of the icons of scooter construction. It set standards for design and performance and characterised the idea of the sporty scooter.

• Competitive situation: In the late 1950s, the scooter became a cult object, especially in southern European countries. German and British models could not always keep up in terms of design and performance, and Innocenti also had no equivalent competitor to the GS 150 at the time with its Lambretta D and LD models.

• Stylistic features: The elegant, aerodynamically shaped Legshield, the large Headlight Unit (115 mm on the first series) and the often chrome-plated Frame Parts were trend-setting. The silver colour scheme quickly became a classic, contrasted by the dark blue Seat.

• Riding experience: If you ride a well-adjusted GS 150, you will experience a lively response that is still impressive today. Even if the performance may seem modest compared to modern scooters, the free-revving nature of the Engine and the easy handling are still fascinating today.

The Vespa 150 GS (VS1-5T) is therefore not only a vehicle steeped in history, but also a highlight of any Vespa collection - a milestone that bridged the gap between a sober utility vehicle and a style-defining and performance-orientated cult scooter.

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