Overview Vespa 50 / N 50

The Vespa 50N was introduced at a time when motorised two-wheelers were becoming increasingly popular in Europe. It was designed in response to the growing demand for small, economical and easy-to-ride vehicles and could be ridden in Italy from the age of 14 without a driving licence. The Vespa 50N was characterised by a compact and functional design. It had a small, efficient two-stroke engine and was known for its simplicity and reliability. Its design was typical of the Vespa line with a curved body and a single front headlight. The introduction of the Vespa 50N helped to establish the Vespa brand as one of the leading manufacturers of scooters. Its influence can still be seen today in modern Vespa models, which still retain elements of the classic design.

Model history Vespa 50 / N 50

The Vespa 50 was first introduced in the early 1960s. The N 50 model, which stands for "Nuova" (new), came a little later and offered some improvements over the earlier versions. The frame of the Vespa remained unchanged until the 1964 model year. On models with frame numbers 70240 to 92876, however, the base of the bonnet was modified. A further change was made from frame number 49127, when a new Rear Light, made entirely of red plastic, was installed.
Another significant step in the development of the model was the enlargement of the flap from frame number 92877. This adaptation was aimed at facilitating maintenance work and led to the introduction of the Model 50 N "unificato" (unified ).
In 1967, there was an additional significant change: the wheelbase was lengthened, which led to the creation of the Model 50N "allungata" (extended). This development reflected the endeavour to further improve the functionality and comfort of the scooter.

The special features of the 1st series of the German Vespa 50

• On the early Vespa models, a large Type Plate was attached to the right of the tunnel, supplemented by a small aluminium plate with the chassis number, which was riveted to the rear of the Kickstart Lever, lying on the Floor Board.

• Interestingly, the chassis numbers differed depending on the country of origin. The Italian models had their number stamped into the bodywork by the side flap, while the German models (with numbers from 800001 to around 803###) had the numbers on both Type Plates.

• The very early first-series models were characterised by a line marking instead of a dot on the Steering Head/Gear Tube. Another feature was the number plate bracket, which was in the same colour as the Frame and fastened with two (or possibly four) Screws.

• The lighting on these models included a Hella brand gooseneck tail light without Brake Light. However, the last versions of 1965 were already equipped with an angular Siem Rear Light and a large Reflector with aluminium frame, similar to the later German Models, but also without Brake Light.

• A Bilux bulb with 6 V/25/25 W was used for the Headlight Unit (the Italian version had a bulb and a soft centre, both 6 V/15 W). All Models were fitted with a two-person Seat as standard, either Aquila Continentale or Aquila Made in Italy.

• The wheels were 10 inches in size and had four-hole rims, although the first Italian series generally had 9-inch wheels. All models had a speedometer with a square Emblem (in the Italian version this was an optional extra).

• In the German first series in particular, the rubber tread strips were different to those available today. The mouldings were both wider and longer, and the first two (or three) fixing holes per moulding were riveted at the front. The rubber kick strips available today do not fit in the front area, as they have a hole spacing of 80 mm more than the Italian version.

The Engine of the Vespa 50 / N 50

The Vespa 50 was equipped with a small, economical two-stroke engine, which was ideal for urban environments. These engines were generally quite robust and easy to maintain. Production of the 50N series continued up to and including 1965, with the Engine undergoing no significant changes during this period. Access to the Engine, located behind a flap in the engine-side Cover, was rather sub-optimised. The engine design was also revised: The Cylinder is now mounted at a 45° angle rather than horizontally. In addition, the Clutch is no longer located directly on the Crankshaft, which offers significantly more options for modifications and tuning.
From 1966, however, various modifications were introduced. Among these changes was an adaptation of the Crankcase to bring it into line with the larger displacement Models. A striking feature of this revision was the enlargement of the opening on the Crankcase for the Cylinder, resulting in a larger cylinder base. In addition, the gearstick was revised and replaced by a new 4-arm Cruciform. Another feature of this new variant was the use of a plastic Cylinder cooling cover, which was an innovation in the design.

The special features of the 1st series Engine

• The Engine of the early Vespa models is slightly narrower than in later versions. An interesting detail is that the Rubber Engine Mounting Bush in the direction of travel on the left has a smaller outer diameter than the one on the right. The ventilation duct on these models is smaller, resulting in different designs for the Cylinder Cowling and the Flywheel Cover. The Cylinder Cowling of these Models is made of Plate.

• Another characteristic feature is the small Flywheel with two windows and a round, screwed-on aluminium ring cover with a paper gasket. The Ignition Coil, which is located inside, is often prone to problems, which is why it is frequently replaced when the engine is rebuilt.

• The cylinder base mount and cylinder base have a diameter of 56 mm. There are various options for tuning, either by adapting the cylinder base to 56 mm diameter for Cylinders up to 85 cc/50 mm bore or by spindling the Crankcase to 61 mm.

• Interestingly, the "nose" on the Cylinder, to which the Flywheel Cover is attached, is in a different position. This is often removed during tuning measures and a Nut is fitted to the Flywheel Cover instead.

• The Gear Selector of the early models has only two arms and a different diameter to the later claws. The main and Input Shaft also differ from later models. There is a leaf spring under the Kickstart Lever, but this is prone to breakage and should therefore be replaced with a wire spring from the later models when the engine is overhauled.

• On some early production models, the secondary may be fitted with a shaft nut with Locking Washer instead of a Cluster Circlip. Conversion to the normal kickstarter pinion spring is then not possible without further ado.

• It is not advisable to continue using the original Crankshaft, recognisable by the round balancing holes, as the first series Conrods have too much Game and could rub against the crankshaft cheeks.

• The Driveshaft Bearing is a needle roller and cage assembly K 16x20x10 (SKF), seated in an Outer Ring, which is no longer available. Apart from this, all engine bearings and Oil Seals are the same as on the later V50 Models.

• On the early first series models there is a different brake base plate, which is bolted with M6 studs. Later brake base plates do not fit, and the available paper seals are also not compatible due to the different position of the studs. Other Brake Pads (for 135 mm) are also required, as the Brake Drum is also different.

• The original jetting of the 16.10 Dell'orto SHB carburettor is: HD 52, ND 38, CD 50.

• The design of the Exhaust is slightly different, with an exhaust pipe above the rebate, although a normal exhaust will still fit.

Bodywork and add-on parts of the Vespa 50 / N 50 (1st series)

• The early models of the Vespa have some characteristic features that distinguish them from later versions. One such feature is a small side flap, which is either pluggable or hooked into a sheet metal guide. This flap has grooves on the locking lever that run lengthways to the Lever, a detail that was retained until around 1971/72.

• It is noticeable that the frame is raised a few centimetres higher at the rear than on later models. The Floor Board is flush with the bodywork behind the traverse bolt, although the angle at the rear of the Footboards is different.

• The Legshield is similar to that of the later models, although the way in which the bodywork is welded together is different. Interestingly, the Legshield lacks the aluminium edge often found on later Italian models.

• Another feature is the square emblem above the Horn Cover, which was used until the introduction of the hexagonal Emblem in October 1967. The seating originally consisted of a Single Saddle, with a Seat available as an optional extra.

• The Tank of the early Models was shorter and had a recess for the Screw of the optional Single Saddle, which is screwed into a Strut behind the Tool Box. This resulted in a larger Tool Box.

• Another special feature is the cross strut under the Seat.

• The very first series models still had a line mark instead of a dot on the Steering Head / Gear Tube. There was also a small difference at the top of the Steering Head, at the transition to the speedometer.

• The Centre Stand on these models was thinner, a feature that was retained until 1968.

• In terms of lighting, the early models had a Rear Light with a mini-aluminium housing and an aluminium-framed Reflector at the top. From serial number *049127 onwards, the Rear Light was made entirely of plastic, with the Reflector now at the bottom and also framed in aluminium.

• 9-inch wheels were used throughout the Italian models of the Vespa V50. This feature remained unchanged over the years and is characteristic of this model.

Situation on the used Vespa 50 / N 50 market

This model is still readily available in all its variants at a reasonable price. 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 50 / N 50:

Colour	Colour name	Max Meyer Code	Colour info
	Verde 301	1.298.6301	1963
	Grigio ametista	1.298.8710	1964
	Rosso 847	1.298.5847	1964
	Azzurro chiaro	1.298.7400	1966
	Rosso 850	1.298.5850	1966
	Verde chiaro	1.298.6303	1966
	Verde mela	1.298.6302	1966
	Azzurro acquamarina	1.298.7305	1966
	Turchese	1.298.7240	1966
	Giallo Positano	1.298.2902	1966
	Chiaro Di Luna	1.268.0108	1966
	Alluminio	1.268.0983	various Frame Parts
	Grigio	8012M	Rust protection/primer

Sources