In 1952 Audrey Hepburn was certainly one of the most beautiful women on earth, and when she rode on Gregory Peck’s Vespa in the movie A Roman Holiday the scooter’s success was assured. First introduced as a 1947 model they sold 2,500, by 1950 the numbers were up to a very respectable 60,000 units, but 1952 and Roman Holiday and Audrey Hepburn pushed sales over 100,000.
Major changes came to the Vespa in 1951 that stayed unaltered through 1952. A 124.8 CC (7.6 CID) two stroke single cylinder motor and Dellorto carb pushed 4 HP through a 2 plate (cork) oil bath clutch and three speed transmission put the top speed near 50 MPH. Both ends now had a rubber suspension and shock absorber suspension. The saddle was completely enclosed and cables replaced the shift linkage. A very complete package.
This 1952 Vespa (VIN# 1GM0920***) is in Scottsdale, AZ and is said to be restored. The motor is said to be 150 CC but I believe it to be 125CC (unless the motor was changed). It has a Buy It Now price of $5,500 here on eBay.