The Vintage Motorcycles
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
Compact, aggressive, and unmistakably sporting in character, the Vespa 90 Super Sprint (SS90) stands among the most iconic and collectible small-frame Vespas ever produced. Designed with a clear focus on youthful performance and racing-inspired aesthetics, the SS90 captures the spirit of 1960s Italian scooter culture at its most dynamic.
Powered by a 90cc two-stroke single-cylinder engine, the SS90 delivers lively acceleration and a responsive riding experience, enhanced by its lightweight construction and compact frame geometry. A 4-speed gearbox ensures precise control, making the model both engaging to ride and remarkably capable within its class.
What truly defines the SS90 is its distinctive design. The elongated, streamlined bodywork, combined with a centrally mounted spare wheel and integrated storage compartment, creates a unique visual identity unlike any other Vespa. Low, narrow handlebars and a forward-leaning riding position further reinforce its competition-inspired intent.
This 1970 model is a rare example of vintage vespa scooter and has been restored to an exceptional collector standard, with meticulous attention to original specifications and period-correct detailing. Mechanical systems have been carefully rebuilt, while the finish reflects the bold yet purposeful aesthetic that defines the Super Sprint lineage.
Today, the Vespa SS90 is regarded as one of the most desirable and valuable small-frame Vespas, prized for its rarity, unmistakable design, and strong connection to the sporting heritage of the Vespa brand.
The Vespa 90 Super Sprint was introduced by Piaggio in the mid-1960s as a performance-oriented variant of the small-frame Vespa range. Developed during a period of growing interest in youth culture and motorsport-inspired design, the SS90 was aimed at riders seeking a more dynamic and individualistic scooter.
Production numbers were limited, with approximately 5,300 units manufactured between 1965 and 1971. This relatively low output, combined with the model's distinctive styling and sporting focus, has contributed significantly to its long-term collectibility.
Unlike standard Vespa models, the SS90 featured several unique design and engineering elements, including its signature spare wheel housing positioned between the rider's legs and a more aerodynamic overall profile. These features not only enhanced practicality but also gave the scooter a purposeful, race-inspired appearance.
Over time, the SS90 has become one of the most sought-after classic Vespas, particularly among collectors of small-frame performance models. Well-preserved or accurately restored examples are increasingly rare, and the model is now widely regarded as a defining icon of Vespa's sporting legacy during the 1960s.
The Vintage Motorcycles presents a curated selection of historically significant Italian machines, where Vespa represents one of the most influential developments in post-war mobility engineering. Introduced as a response to the need for affordable and efficient transportation, Vespa redefined two-wheel design through its monocoque chassis, enclosed mechanical systems, and highly accessible riding ergonomics.
Within the broader landscape of global vintage motorcycle manufacturers, Vespa stands apart from traditional motorcycle architecture, representing a shift toward integrated industrial design. This transformation can be better understood when contrasted with earlier pre-war motorcycle engineering (1900-1939), where exposed mechanical systems and rigid frame structures defined the dominant design philosophy.
The emergence of Vespa aligns closely with wider post-war motorcycle development, a period marked by economic reconstruction and the demand for lightweight, practical transportation solutions. Italian manufacturers, particularly Piaggio through the Vespa platform, played a defining role in this transition, introducing vehicles that combined mechanical simplicity with mass production efficiency.
Each Vespa within our collection is selected based on provenance, originality, and structural integrity, ensuring alignment with museum-grade preservation standards. Available acquisition opportunities can be explored through our global vintage motorcycle inventory, supported by a fully insured international shipping service.
Vespa's development is deeply connected to Italy's industrial recovery following World War II, where engineering priorities shifted toward efficiency, affordability, and accessibility. Unlike conventional motorcycles, Vespa introduced a fully integrated body structure that protected mechanical components, reduced maintenance complexity, and improved rider comfort.
This transformation reflects broader changes explored through WW2 military motorcycle development, where industrial capabilities and engineering knowledge were redirected from military production toward civilian mobility solutions. Vespa emerged directly from this context, adapting aeronautical and industrial manufacturing techniques into a new form of urban transport.
Although primarily designed as a solo urban vehicle, Vespa also intersected with broader European mobility trends, including adaptations and utility concepts related to sidecar-equipped motorcycles, highlighting how diverse engineering solutions coexisted during the mid-20th century.
Italian engineering, as embodied by Vespa, emphasizes the integration of form and function, where mechanical efficiency is combined with clean, purposeful design. This philosophy distinguishes Vespa from many contemporaries, positioning it not only as a vehicle but also as a cultural and industrial design icon.
From early models such as the Vespa 98 to later developments across the 1950s and 1960s, the brand continuously refined its engineering approach while maintaining its core identity. These machines represent a departure from traditional motorcycle evolution, focusing instead on accessibility, usability, and mass adoption.
Today, Vespa remains a critical reference point in the study of post-war transportation systems, illustrating how engineering innovation can reshape not only vehicle design but also social mobility. For collectors, these machines offer a unique combination of historical significance, design heritage, and enduring global recognition.
Key Highlights
Collector Assurance
All enquiries handled with discretion. We typically respond within 6 hours.