Overview Vespa 180 Rally

The Vespa 180 Rally followed the Vespa 180 Super Sport in the sports model range in 1968. It was the first top model to use the rotary valve-controlled intake, which had already been used for ten years on the smaller models, instead of the direct intake, which allowed the oil content in the mixture to be reduced to 2%. The frame was based on that of the Vespa 180 SS and was brought up to the current state of Vespa design with elements from the Vespa 150 Sprint. It was the predecessor of the much sought-after Vespa 200 Rally (VSE1T).

Vespa 180 Rally model history

In contrast to the Vespa 180 Super Sport, this model no longer had aluminium trim strips on the cheeks. The characteristic rally stripes on the cheeks and mudguards, which later appeared on the Vespa 200 Rally, were also not present on this model.
In Switzerland, the Rally 180 was launched on the market under the name Rally 175 (VRD1T), with the engine capacity reduced by 5 cc. Apart from the Cylinder, which had a smaller bore, the two Models were identical. The specific authorisation regulations in Switzerland at that time could explain this adaptation.

The Engine of the Vespa 180 Rally

The Cylinder of this Model is equipped with three transfer ports and the fan blades on the flywheel magneto were bent to achieve improved cooling performance. In addition, the bore and stroke dimensions were slightly modified (63.5 x 57 mm), resulting in a total displacement of 180.69 cc. The compression ratio was 8:1 and the Engine produced an output of 10.3 hp at 5,700 rpm. A Dellorto SI 20/20 D was used as the carburettor.

The bodywork of the Vespa 180 Rally

• The frame number of the Vespa is located at the rear right under the engine cheek at the height of the Shock Absorber, stamped in for clear identification.

• The Piaggio hexagonal logo stands out among the Badges and Emblems, accompanied by antique, cursive chrome lettering, which can be found mounted at an angle both at the front and rear.

• The Handlebar is characterised by a Light Control Light and the Piaggio hexagon, complemented by black, extended Grips.

• The Seat is a special Rally double seat with the seam running down the centre of the front side.

• The glove compartment is identical to that of the Vespa 160 GS from serial number *55507 (except for the Lock) and is similar to that of the Vespa 180 Super Sport.

• The Spare Wheel Cover is made of plastic.

• There are three Floor Runners with a rubber mat in the centre and another three Floor Runners at the end, which emphasises both functionality and aesthetics.

Technical details / equipment of the Vespa 180 Rally

• Badges/Emblems: Slanted, antique cursive chrome lettering on the front and rear; Piaggio hexagonal logo.

• Seat: Special Rally double seat with a seam running down the centre of the front side.

• Glove compartment: Identical to that of the Vespa 160 GS from *55507 (except Lock) and Vespa 180 Super Sport.

• Spare Wheel Cover: Made of plastic.

• Front Shock Absorber: Springs painted black.

• Flywheel: Blade bent for improved cooling performance.

• Speedometer: Similar to Vespa 125 Super (VNC1T) with illuminated, black Face Plate up to 120 km/h, fluorescent pointer and digits.

• Exhaust: Model-specific for Rally 180.

• Spare wheel: Positioned under the left cheek piece.

• Glove compartment: Can be locked with the Key.

• Design: No Rally stripes on cheeks and Mudguard, unlike the later Vespa 200 Rally.

• Tail light: First models with chrome-plated tail light, later square tail light (similar to Rally 200).

Situation on the used Vespa Rally 180 market

The Vespa Rally 180 is even more difficult to find than the Rally 200 and was long misjudged because it is not as powerful as its sister. The Rally 175 from Switzerland is even harder to find. 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.

Miscellaneous

The front shock absorber spring on this model is painted in an eye-catching black colour. The design of the speedometer is based on that of the Vespa 125 Super (VNC1T). This speedometer is characterised by an illuminated, black speedometer dial that goes up to 120 km/h, complemented by a fluorescent pointer and digits.
The Exhaust is model-specific and contributes to the unmistakable character of the model. The spare wheel is located under the left-hand cheek, which optimises the use of space. The glove compartment, which can be locked with the Key, offers additional safety and convenience.

The colours of the Vespa 180 Rally:

Colour	Colour name	Max Meyer Code	Colour info
	Bianco spino 715	1.298.1715	1968-1969
	Giallo Positano 902	1.298.2902	1968-1969
	Giallo Arancio 916	1.298.2916	1968-1969 & Switzerland Rally 175
	Rosso Canyon	1.298.5921	1968 Switzerland Rally 175
	Argento metallizzato	1.268.0103/3001M	from 1970
	Giallo Cromo 933	1.298.2933	from 1970
	Blu 230	2.298.7230	from 1970 & Switzerland Rally 175
	Chiaro di luna metallizzato	2.268.0108	from 1970
	Arancio 907	1.298.4907	Alluminio
	Alluminio	1.268.0983	various Frame Parts
	Grigio	8012M	Rust protection/primer

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