Body looks good and the canvas top adds an open motoring element.
Louvers give away the rear-engine nature of the Vespa.
Engine compartment certainly looks clean.
The seller says tweed material was used in the interior upgrade. This looks MUCH nicer than the original rubber mats. This isn’t the one if you insist on complete originality, but should provide a better experience if you plan to drive it.
Ad text:
Up for sale is a 1961 Vespa 400S Microcar in excellent condition inside and out.
History:
I‘m listing this vehicle for a friend of mine that purchased it 15 years ago with the intention of keeping it for life but his financial situation changed recently and it has to go. The car was already painted when he got it and it remained exactly as then.
The car was out of the DMV system when he purchase it so California DMV required an inspection and they assigned a new VIN number in order to re issue a new title.
Vehicle has lived in California all of its life and never left the State and as a result there is absolutely no rust and apparently no metal panels have ever been replaced.
The only work that has been done to the vehicle during his ownership were a new interior, convertible top, the rear bumper that was missing a few emblems and lights that were missing and the hubcaps.
Documentation:
Vehicle has a California Clear Title and is currently registered with non operational status with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Interior:
The whole interior was done 13 years ago and looks immaculate. Door panels and seats has been done completely using Premium Cloth material (tweed) was used. Carpeting looks excellent too.
Engine:
2 Cylinder, 400cc 2 stroke air cooled engine sounds and runs excellent.
New spark plugs and voltage regulator. Carburetor was redone last year and car has been started every week for a few minutes to keep it engine and battery in good shape. Engine has NO oil leaks and runs like new.
Transmission:
3 speed forward and reverse. No issues or leaks all gears shift fine.
Body:
Body panels look all original, with absolutely no rust and no signs of any repair done. No accidents. All panel gaps are within specifications. Doors close softly and secure, like on a new car. All hinges and locks work fine.
Chrome:
Side moldings are excellent, front moldings excellent, rear bumper excellent and front bumper OK but shows that was re-chromed without repairing the pitting to perfection (hardly noticeable)
Paint:
Car has been repainted 15 years ago and vehicle was disassembled entirely.
The paint was so good that no even a bubble, blemish or crack showed up over the years. In my opinion (I’m a perfectionist) the paint was not wet sanded as well as it should at the time they painted it and can use a little more wet sanding just to be perfect but most of the people will consider a slight orange peel to be OK. There are a few light scratches by the left front fender well -see pic-
Electrical:
Exterior lights. Instrument cluster lights work, Windshield wipers work, interior light works, turn signal not working but turn signal switch is OK. Stop lights not working. Almost new Battery.
Convertible top:
Is almost 10 years old but looks brand new. Open and closes perfectly.
Tires:
Brand new tires on 4 corners.
Brakes:
Brakes are very good.
Miscellaneous:
Original jack, Service station manual, original key.
PLEASE CHECK BELOW FOR SLIDESHOW or use optional link below
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/cozzoi/library/Vespa%201961?sort=9&page=1
Don’t hesitate to email me, I’ll be glad to answer any questions regarding this vehicle.
You will NOT be disappointed with this vehicle!
Don’t hesitate to email me, I’ll be glad to answer any questions regarding this vehicle.
You are welcome to see and test drive the car during the auction.
This 53 years old jewel looks like new and needs virtually nothing!!
I describe the vehicle as accurately as possible; however there is no possible way to know everything about a vehicle that has been previously driven subjected to normal wear and tear, both cosmetically and mechanically.
Must have the funds available before bidding.
Thanks for looking!!!!!!!!!
Terms of Sale:
Vehicle is sold as is. No warranty. Balance due within 7 days and payable in cash, cashiers check, or wire transfer. Wire transfer preferred. Note: Cashiers checks usually take longer to clear (California banks place up to 20 days hold on out of state cashiers checks due to fraud protection policies). Car will be released once funds clear in my account
Shipping: Buyer has to make all arrangements with the carrier. I don’t provide shipping estimates but I can email you a list of carriers you can call to get shipping quotes.