7 Rarest and most sought after of Vespa scooters

Vespa scooter is one of the two-wheeled vehicles that became the target of many people, especially the scooter lovers.

What about this Piaggio classic bad ass? Does anyone know what is the name? (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2E27fp6)

The longer the life of the Vespa, the higher the selling price. Understandably because Vespa scooters were first produced in 1943.

Here are the 7 rarest and most sought after of Vespa scooters.

1. 1943 Vespa MP5 Paperino

Vespa MP5 Paperino became the first Vespa scooter produced by Piaggio in 1943. This prototype, designed by the engineer Renzo Spolti and coded MP5 (Moto Piaggio 5), was christened "Paperino", that is "Donald Duck", by the workers. But Enrico Piaggio didn't like it, and passed the job over to Corradino d’Ascanio to review the project and build something different, more advanced both technically and stylistically.

1943 Vespa MP5 Paperino. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2g423VZ)

Since this is the oldest Vespa scooter and about one hundred Paperinos were produced, it is not surprising to be the rarest and most hunted by the collectors and antique scooter lovers around the globe.

2. 1945 Vespa MP6

This scooter was designed by Corradino d’Ascanio after he took the job of designing a simple vehicle tough, economic and elegant and first produced in 1946. The MP6 prototype, was still without a name when in September 1945 was presented  to Enrico Piaggio, who, exclaimed: "Sembra una vespa!" ("It resembles a wasp!"). And since then the name stuck. 

1945 Vespa MP6. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2wGKezd)

The absence of the engine cooling fan, the brake lever on the left side instead of the right, the horn under the saddle, the footboard’s aluminium laths, and the aeronautical symbol on the front shield are the most important differences between the MP6 and the future versions of the Vespa. And these Vespa MP6 is considered the beginning milestone of the Vespa known as a the world's scooter pioneer.

3. 1946 Vespa 98
Although the scooter's name is Vespa 98, but that does not mean these Vespa scooter was produced in 1998. These Vespa scooter was produced in 1946 with a design made specifically for the streets in Europe at that time that is still in poor condition and a total of 2,484 were produced in its first year of life.

1946 Vespa 98. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2i0Kjvm)

Recorded on March 28, 2017, a 1946 Vespa 98 with chassis number 1003 which is one of the first 60 scooters of Piaggio's production has been sold in an auction for $195,748 or equivalent to Rp.2.6 billion.

4. 1947 Vespa 98 Corsa

In 1947, when in Italy began to be filled with many circuit of scooter races. This prompted Piaggio to capitalize these opportunities by making the Vespa 98 Corsa which has a more aggressive speed compared to other scooters on that time. This first fabulous race Vespa was conceived for participation in various circuit races. With it, Piaggio dealers could enter their participation in speed contests.

1947 Vespa 98 Corsa. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2g4LCbQ)

5. 1949 Vespa 125 Circuito

In 1949, Piaggio produced a new type of racing scooter with a rather unique design from their previous racing scooter production. This scooter uses a 125cc engine, and the Vespa 125 Circuito was created with the aim of putting forward its automotive sector that more nimble and powerful.

1949 Vespa 125 Circuito. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2g3VjaG)

6. 1953 Vespa 125 U

The Vespa 125 U is a scooter manufactured by Piaggio in 1953 as an "economy" model, the "U" standing for "utility" and included one of the most hunted scooter by collectors from all over the world. Noted, Piaggio produce this scooter as much as 7 thousand units only, no wonder if this type of scooter is very rare. Besides, the Vespa 125 U is also noted as the first Vespa scooter to use the lights on the handlebar.

1953 Vespa 125 U. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2yzNwJ0)

7. 1955 Vespa 150 SideCar

This Vespa scooter became a hunt for the collectors because it has a form that is very unique. In addition, these Vespa scooter is the first to use a 150cc engine. These scooter has a good performance so it gets a lot of praise from scooter fans at that time.

1955 Vespa 150 SideCar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2y4uQAu)

That's the 7 rarest and most sought after of Vespa scooters by collectors and enthusiasts of antique scooters from around the world.

Those scooters mentioned above are no match when compared with the current motorcycle, especially the performance. But that's not what makes those Vespa scooters become the target of many people. They are certainly interested in their unique shapes and the value of history that lays on the figure of the Vespa scooters.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops.... ••• [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MUSEO PIAGGIO]

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A Unique and Scarce German-made luxury scooter

The rare scooter figure this time is not from Italy or England like always but made in Germany. For antique motorcycle lovers off course must know the German-made scooter figure named Bastert Einspurauto and also make it as one of the most sought after collectors items. Because the 1,200 units were built perhaps less than 20 still survived and scattered all over the world. (Wanna see other German-made scooters.)

1953 Bastert Einspurauto scooter. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2z4n2MW)

The Bastert Einspurauto scooter was designed by a French-born industrial designer named Louis Lucien Lepoix and produced in for a short period between 1949 and the mid-1950s, in Bielefeld, Germany. The name of this scooter comes from the name of the company's founder, Helmut Bastert.

In the era, this is included an expensive and sophisticated scooter, because it has body fabricated from aluminum built up over a steel frame in a manner taken from aircraft production learned during the second world war. This German-made scooter was equipped with the ILO 150-175cc engine and Bosch's ignition system.

Front view of 1953 Bastert Einspurauto scooter. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2z4n2MW)

This scooter is equipped with luxurious features at that time, including using aluminum wheels, light engine compartment, a dashboard panel included an individual light for each gear selected, twin taillights fashioned in a teardrop design, and the rider's red leather-covered seat converted quickly to fashion a dual seat.

Top view of 1953 Bastert Einspurauto scooter. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2y65vWi)

Now if the Bastert Einspurauto in the hands of antique collectors did not surprise the prices are very high. For example at an auction for a scarce 1953 Bastert Einspurauto scooter that was done on October 24, 2015. According to the records, the opening price for this auction starts from the US $30,000-35,000 but sold at $23,000. 

Right side view of 1953 Bastert Einspurauto scooter. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2y1YMuC)

Although that was not the most expensive price for a scarce scooter, off course it included a very high price. But for the lovers of antiques how much the price would not be a problem. (Wanna see the cool classic scooters of Japan). 

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 | THEODORE BRUCE]

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When the Vespa scooter transforms into several types of motorcycle

No one doubts that the Vespa scooter as one of the most popular motorcycle icons in the world. Yes, this Italian made scooter can penetrate to all circles of society ranging from motorcycle enthusiasts to fashionista. So it is not surprising if the Vespa scooter was often used as a modification material, ranging from the minimalist to the extreme.

Do not be surprised if you're found the Vespa not as a scooter someday, because there's somebody designed it as a motorcycle in various styles today. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2y3GtXA)

The flexibility of the figure of Vespa scooter in the world's motor culture has also attracted the attention of Jennings Motor Group, a renowned Harley-Davidson dealership in the United States that has been more than a hundred years old who made six nice-looking sketches of motorcycle modifications by taking base from the legendary Vespa scooter.

Those sketches made are not just any modification, but rather a good effort in the embodiment of the figure of Vespa scooter into several new forms of motorcycle. For example there are Vespa sport, chopper, touring, cafe racer, and futuristic. The result was quite interesting, because the Vespa figure then transformed into something new and different.

In the first sketch of the sport type where the shape of design in a few lines looks like taken of the Suzuki Hayabusa. Yes, that's look unique, because the motorcycle shape is like a cartoon version of the Suzuki Hayabusa with rounded corners. The original identity of the Vespa is only visible on the left and right bloated sides, while the rest has actually turned into a sports-looking motorcycle.

Hayabusa-inspired Vespa superbike concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2xVK4Id)

Next, for the chopper theme, the designers from Jennings Motor Group carry a custom Harley-Davidson aura. And the character of chopper was reflected in the form of high handlebar, long fork corners, naked front tires without fenders, low seat position, and there is an additional end bar.

The iconic Vespa reimagined as a chopper. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2xVK4Id)

And in the next sketch is still carrying the design inspiration from Harley-Davidson touring motorcycle themed. The design is very close with the figure of Harley Davidson Electra Glide, especially the front fascia starting from shield, windscreen and front fender. And the left-right bloated sides to be panier so common in Electra Glide, including a large seat and a pair of antennas on the back.

Vespa touring bike concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2xVK4Id)

Then there is another theme that is not less unique ie cafe racer. The Jennings Motor Group designers make the front shield more compact, the clamp handlebar, inline seat, termignoni exhausts that towering upwards, as well as additional tails that became the hallmark of the British racing motorcycles in the '60s.

The iconic Vespa reimagined as a cafe racer and watch out your leg will be roasted. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2z1MsLh)

While for the motocross theme is the most distant from the original impression. The motorcycle figure becomes tall with high suspension and offroad tire applications. Its left and right bloated sides are also cut by leaving a little to give the motocross' proportion look. Then the original feature of Vespa scooter is only visible from the arched foot peg.

Vespa off-road/dirt bike concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2xVK4Id)

And the last design sketch can be said is an example of a future Vespa whose design is inspired from the shape of a motorcycle in the Tron sci-fi movie. Once again the hallmark of the Vespa still looks even though it has a futuristic theme. And the most unique is the application of hubless tires and the handlebar without fork front, and the tires moves with the connection cycle.

Tron-inspired Vespa light cycle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2xVK4Id)

Although only a sketch on paper, but not impossible to be realized in the form of a real motorcycle. Well at the end we congratulate you to be creative with your favorite scooter. And also maybe one of the above sketches can be your inspiration to give a touch of modification on your favorite Vespa scooter.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops.... ••• [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JENNINGS HARLEY DAVIDSON | MCN | DESIGNBOOM | VESPA CLUB OF AMERICA]

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Volga Atom: The USSR's Ambitious Fictitious Cold War Nuclear Car

⛔Just Dream⛔ - In our relentless pursuit of advanced energy solutions, nuclear energy has always held a prominent place despite its potential dangers. The term "nuclear" often conjures images of destructive weapons, largely due to its catastrophic use in World War II on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. However, the potential for peaceful applications, including in the automotive industry, has also been a significant area of exploration.

Volga-Atom, a 1:2 scale model of the M-21 'Volga' with 6" wheels, is displayed at the Pavilion No. 19 at VDNH Museum in Moscow. (Picture from: 5Koleso.ru)

One of the most intriguing efforts to harness nuclear energy in the automotive world was the Ford Nucleon, developed by a renowned American automaker. This innovative approach was not limited to the United States. Following World War II, as the atomic arms race intensified between the USSR and the United States, both superpowers sought to repurpose atomic energy for peaceful uses. The USSR's endeavor in this regard was notably ambitious.

The 1958 Ford Nucleon model at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. (Picture from: Hemmings)

In 1965, Soviet scientists embarked on an extraordinary project to design a car powered by an atomic engine. They used the Volga GAZ-21 as a foundation, making significant modifications such as reinforcing the suspension and adding an extra front axle, resulting in a six-wheeled vehicle. These changes were essential to support the 500-kilogram atomic reactor.

This image is the only one showing the Volga Atom in testing, though it's uncertain whether it's merely a model. (Picture from: DesignYouTrust)

The reactor, known as A-21, appeared similar to a conventional four-cylinder engine but lacked a fuel supply system and other typical components. Instead, uranium pellets were attached to the ends of the cylinders and pistons, with helium injected into the cylinders. When the engine ran, the uranium pellets collided, heating and expanding the helium, which then set the cylinders in motion. The engine was controlled by rods replacing the usual valves.

Evolution of Volga-Atom: From Prototype to Model Display as displayed at the Pavilion No. 19 at VDNH Museum in Moscow. (Picture from: 5Koleso.ru)

Named the Volga Atom, this car underwent testing in Severomorsk-based test site under physicist Alexander Kamnev's supervision. The reactor generated 320 horsepower, enabling the heavy vehicle to accelerate swiftly. However, test drivers faced several issues, including inadequate braking capabilities and excessive heat in the passenger compartment. Despite testing in the spring, the interior temperature quickly became unbearable.

The Volga Atom garnered attention, even earning a feature in Popular Mechanics magazine's April 2015 issue, highlighting its efficiency. The magazine noted that over a distance of 200,000 kilometers, the car would consume only 12 grams of uranium, while a conventional Pobeda engine would require over 20 tons of gasoline. 

Despite such promising potential, the project was canceled after the country's leader, Nikita Khrushchev passed away, as his successor, Leonid Brezhnev, showed no interest in continuing the work. Consequently, the Volga Atom never made it to city streets, and was dismantled. Nonetheless, the Soviets succeeded in creating a working prototype, a significant achievement compared to the American Ford Nucleon, which remained a scale model.

Highlighting Implemented Nuclear Projects: The Transportable Nuclear Power Plant TES-3 Model as displayed at the Pavilion No. 19 at VDNH Museum in Moscow. (Picture from: 5Koleso.ru)

However, skepticism persists, especially among Western countries. The lack of adequate documentary evidence supporting the use of four-cylinder engines with enriched uranium-235 pellets has raised doubts and led to accusations of it being 'fake'. Additionally, Soviet automotive technology was not as advanced as Western technology, further questioning the project's feasibility. Moreover, nuclear-powered cars had no military applications, unlike other Soviet technological advancements funded by the Ministry of Defense, such as rockets with nuclear engines.

Here's the TES-3, a mobile nuclear reactor that represents one of the successful implementations of Soviet nuclear technology in the past, despite being discontinued in 1961. (Picture from: SputnikGlobe)

Nevertheless, the USSR successfully developed mobile nuclear reactors. In the mid-1950s, Soviet manufacturers created the TES-3, a tracked transportable electric station weighing 310 tonnes with over 37 pounds of uranium on board, though the project was halted in 1961. In the 1980s, they built the mobile power plant named the Pamir-630D, comprising a gas-cooled reactor (76.5 tonnes), gas turbine-driven set (76 tonnes), two control units (2x20 tonnes), and an auxiliary unit (20 tonnes), designed to be transported on platforms by tractors. This project was also canceled after the Chernobyl disaster.

The Volga Atom project remains a captivating chapter in automotive innovation history, showcasing the ambitious and sometimes improbable dreams of using nuclear energy to power everyday vehicles. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SOVYETAUTO.FR | DESIGNYOUTRUST | RUSSIAN7.RU | CAR.RU | 5KOLESO.RU | SPUTNIKGLOBE | FIRST LIMOUSINE MAGAZINE ]

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Honda is also preparing an electric sports car

It is clearly seen that one of renown Japanese automotive giants, Honda is very serious with the electric car market without leaving its characteristics. Honda itself has been confirmed to launch an electric car at least in 2020, by preparing a number of concepts to be produced.

Honda to debut also an EV Sport Car at Tokyo Motor Show 2017. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kfFfUr)

Yes, after some time ago Honda launched the Urban EV Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2017, and now at the annual event held at home, named Tokyo Motor Show 2017, Honda is scheduled to unveil a concept called Honda Sports EV.

Honda says that this is a compact 2-door sports-car that gives "a feeling of joy and emotional unity to encouragement", by incorporating EV powertrain technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

Along with these brief announcement, Honda also presented several teaser images, which partially revealed its shape. This car has a clean profile, muscular fender, oblique roofline, and square LED rear lights. The official sketch also gives a glimpse into the cabin, which appears to be dominated by a large screen, similar to that of Urban EV Concept, which also shares its platform. 

Unfortunately, so far Honda is still silent about the specification of their latest electric sports car, although it is certain this electric sports-car concept will got the supply of power from high-powered electric motors. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOBLOG]

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The figure of 'reincarnation' Mitsubishi Evo ready to hit the world

Mitsubishi some time ago decided to stop the production of one of their legendary car, Mitsubishi Evo or Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. But now, the name of Mitsubishi Evo will be born again.

First image of Mitsubishi's upcoming electric 'e-Evolution' car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2xPkbt5)

As written in a press release, Mitsubishi will show off the new Evo car at the Tokyo Motor Show 2017 at the end of October. The difference, Mitsubishi Evo this time comes in the form of electric-powered SUV coupe concept. The concept is called Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept. This car became the new flagship concept car from Mitsubishi.

Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept will come with an aerodynamic style SUV Coupe design. High performance became its flagship. The concept of this car is called using an electric drive that rotates all the wheels with advanced Artificial Intelligence technology.

From the teaser in circulation, this car also looks aggressive. Unfortunately, not much information released by Mitsubishi about these 'reincarnation' Mitsubishi Evo figure.. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ELECTREK]

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