Overview Vespa 160 GS

The large-frame successor to the Vespa GS 150 was introduced in 1962. The Vespa Gran Sport 160(Series 1) was a completely newly developed vehicle that was designed as an entirely independent development and no longer bore any resemblance to the GS 150 VS1T.

Model history Vespa 160 GS

Only a few elements such as the Handlebar and the Rear Light were carried over from the last series of the GS 150 into the new Model. The frame and sheet metal parts were completely redesigned. The front suspension was realised in a combined element of suspension and damping, similar to the later PX series. For the first time, the standard spare wheel was concealed under the left Side Panels, protected by a semi-circular metal cover. Decorative Trims in aluminium on the Side Panels and the front Mudguard softened the appearance of the solid sheet metal parts. The step-through was fitted with the rubber mat familiar from smaller models. The first series of the GS 160 was the only Vespa model to feature a glove compartment above the Rear Light. A small flap provided access to a compartment in which a pair of Gloves and other small items could be stored. The Seat was grey.
From model year 1963, the GS 160 (Series 2) underwent a redesign. The Seat was now a dark blue colour. The small compartment above the Rear Light was removed and a large luggage compartment was now integrated into the Legshield instead.

The Engine of the Vespa 160 GS

The newly developed Engine was the most powerful unit in the series range, with the Engine Swing Arm Pivot now integrated into the Housing block. Compared to the 150 GS, the displacement was increased by almost 13 cubic centimetres to 158.53 cc. The Crankshaft was reinforced and fitted with a roller bearing on the pole wheel side. All important engine components were also reinforced. In addition, the Silencer of the Exhaust was designed so that it had an indentation for the rear wheel and the rim width was increased to 2.45 inches.
The Engine of the Series 2 remained unchanged, only the Air Filter Box and the carburettor jetting were modified accordingly.

Miscellaneous Vespa GS/4 (Germany)

After the end of the licence agreement with Vespa-Messerschmitt GmbH in Augsburg at the end of 1957, production continued from 1958 under the new name Vespa GmbH - Augsburg. This subsidiary of Piaggio in Italy did not import finished scooters, but sourced unpainted bodies, engines and chassis from Italy. Electrical parts and other components such as Shock Absorbers, Seats, Locks, Grips and Speedometers were purchased from German suppliers.
This procedure served to avoid import duties for finished vehicles before the introduction of the EU and to be able to react more flexibly to the specific requirements of German registration regulations. One example of this is the adaptation of the electrical system by integrating Hella side indicators, Indicator Relays and Switches from 1962 in order to comply with German regulations for indicators on two-wheelers over 125 cc - equipment that was not fitted as standard in Italy at the time.
The scooters were painted and finally assembled in Augsburg and, in addition to the Italian chassis number, were given their own additional chassis number, which was affixed to a Sign on the Footboards. The GS/4 manufactured in Augsburg had lights and a Horn from Horn, Locks from Horn, a speedometer from VDO, a Denfeld Seat and Grips with the round Vespa logo.
In September 1962, the successor model, the Vespa GS 160, was presented at the "International Bicycle and Motorcycle Exhibition (IFMA)". In contrast to the baroque wideframe bodywork of the GS3, the top model marketed in Germany as the GS/4 had a more modern, slimmer largeframe shape and a new Engine with, among other things, modified crankshaft bearings. The engine of the GS/4 offered more displacement, a higher compression ratio and slightly increased power and torque compared to the engine of the GS/3, but relied on direct induction with battery ignition instead of a rotary valve engine with contact ignition.
By the end of 1963, production of the GS/4, across both series, had only reached a total of around 2,500 units.

Situation on the used Vespa 160 GS market

Today, many consider this model to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing Vespas ever produced. The special frame parts of the German version are particularly sought-after due to the low production numbers and fetch high prices on the used market. 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 Scambis in Italy

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

The colours of the Vespa 160 GS:

Colour	Colour name	Max Meyer Code	Colour info
	Grigio Biacca	1.298.8714	Series 1 & various Frame Parts Series 2 & steering tube
	Biancospino	1.298.1715	Series 2
	Nocciola	3000M	Rust protection/primer Series 1 & 2
	Alluminio	1.268.0983	Fan wheel Series 1 Frame Parts Series 2

Sources