In Memmoriam: MALELA - Today, we delve into the fascinating world of classic Vespa scooters from the 1970s in Indonesia, a relic of the past that remains a cherished rarity. Our focus is on the Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce, a scooter with a unique charm that has left an indelible mark on enthusiasts. I am fortunate to be among the proud owners of this vintage gem, and I will share some insights and images of my own prized Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce.
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| My 1974 Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce (right) posed along with another Indonesian's Vespa model, 2003 Vespa Exclusive 2. (Picture from: My Private Scooters) |
The Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce, a scooter briefly introduced in Indonesia during the 1970s, holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. Recognizable by its round headlights, this model is commonly referred to in Indonesia as the Vespa Sprint Bagol, although some units feature square headlights. What sets this kind of Vespa apart is its distinctive appearance, with those round headlights and a sleek, elongated rear body section that exudes elegance. |
| What sets this Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce apart is its distinctive appearance, with those round headlights and a sleek, elongated rear body section that exudes elegance. (Picture from: My Private Scooters) |
One of the standout features of the Vespa Sprint Bagol is its eye-catching jade green indicator light on the front. This indicator illuminates when the lights and other electrical components are in use, adding a unique touch to this already captivating Vespa.
Interestingly, the Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce's headlights bear a striking resemblance to those of the Vespa GL (Gran Lusso) 150 (VLA), making it like as if a successor to these renowned models. In other part of the world, the Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce enjoyed a decade-long production run from 1965 to 1976, captivating riders worldwide.
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| One of the standout features of the Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce is its eye-catching jade green indicator light on the front. (Picture from: My Private Scooters) |
In contrast, in Indonesia, PT. Danmotors Vespa Indonesia, the custodian of the Vespa brand at the time, only produced the Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce for a brief period, specifically in 1974-1975. This marked the end of Vespa Sprint production in the country, replaced by Vespa PX150. The Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce quickly became a trendsetter in the local scooter scene, even commanding premium prices compared to other classic Vespas.
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| The Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce, or Vespa Bagol powered by a 2-stroke, 145.45cc engine with a single-cylinder air-cooled design, it churn out 7.7 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, propelling this kind of Vespa to a top speed of 97 kph. (Picture from: GridOto) |
A curious fact about the Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce with round headlights, or bagol, is that it initially faced resistance on the island of Java. The rounded headlight shape was seen as old-fashioned, leading many Sprint buyers to replace their round headlights with square ones. Some even went the extra mile, opting to modify their scooters to have square headlights. As a result, the remaining stock of units with round headlights found its way to other regions, including Sumatra, where both round and square headlight versions were embraced.
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| Admire the Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce's beauty and elegance from an overhead perspective. (Picture from: Pinterest) |
On the right side of the Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce, or Vespa Bagol, nests a 2-stroke, 145.45cc engine with a single-cylinder air-cooled design. This powerhouse churns out 7.7 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, propelling this kind of Vespa to a top speed of 97 kilometers per hour.
Another typical features of this kind of Vespa is the headlight composition, Vespa incorporated parts from Aprilia or Siem. Worth noting is that Vespa models released in 1974 sport crankcases with a Piaggio's spade logo (Indonesian called cung or waru), whereas previous model of 1960s most crankcases have a crossed out 'P' logo.
As the years have passed, classic Vespas like the Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce with round headlights have grown increasingly scarce. Consequently, these gems have become highly sought-after, with their prices steadily rising. If you're considering owning a Vespa Sprint Bagol of your own, it's essential to be well-informed about its distinct characteristics before making a purchase. Exercise caution and don't hesitate to seek guidance from trusted experts in the field. Owning and maintaining a Vespa Sprint 150 Veloce is not just a passion; it's a journey into the history of these iconic scooters in Indonesia.Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA ]
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