A BRIEF HISTORY: CLASSIC VESPA PRIMAVERA 125

In 1965 the Vespa VMA 125 was launched. Around the same time, two other new Vespa models were launched; the sought-after SS90 and the Vespa Super, the latter in both 125 and 150 capacities. Finned front and rear hubs of the SS90 were also fitted to VMA 125, as was the Super headset and speedometer. As well as a larger capacity, VMA 125 had a four-speed gearbox plus a small crest/elongated triangular embellisher on the front mudguard. Differing from early 50 and 90 small-frames, VMA125 was introduced with a larger side-panel access door, which was eventually incorporated into all small-frame Vespas.

The 1967 VMA Vespa 125 was given an upgrade including having a name bestowed on the new and improved model, Primavera. A marginal increase in power output, an addition of a tool/glove box on the left side panel, along with the fitting of a helmet hook and headlight rim were part of the changes of specification. The most significant change was an increased length of the floorboard of the machine, which was also implemented on Vespa 50 machines too. Until Primavera was superseded by the introduction of the PK range in 1982, there were superficial alterations such as badging and rear light units on the standard Primavera scooter.

In 1976 a deluxe, top of the range, sports variant of Vespa Primavera was introduced, commonly known as the ET3. Its name was in reference to the third transfer port as standard in the barrel cylinder. Other inclusions on the ET3 Primavera were electronic ignition along with an expansion exhaust, reminiscent of the SS90.

This combination boosted the power output to 7bhp, a better and higher output than that of the more desirable SS90. The ET3 variant came with a larger dual seat, early models came with a kind of denim covering, which was rightly dropped very quickly. Go-faster stripes, which Piaggio called Sidewinder stripes, adorned the front mudguard and side panels, very much echoing the appearance of the large frame Rally model albeit on a smaller scale.

Surprisingly, given the specification of the ET3, along with it being the fastest production small-frame Vespa up until that time, Douglas only imported a small amount of ET3 Primavera Vespas into the UK. ET3 Primavera Vespa models, for a time, were both rare and sought-after machines in Britain. During the 90s, quite a number of ET3 Vespas were sourced and privately imported to the UK. For a while, said imports met the demand from prospective buyers and collectors. In addition to 220,000+ standard Primaveras, there were 153,212 ET3 models produced by Piaggio between 1976 and 1982. Exactly why Douglas chose not to import ET3 Primavera Vespas in any quantities remains something of a mystery – one on a par with Piaggio bestowing a classic name from the past that, badge apart, has no evolutionary connection with a recently made automatic scooter and its Euro 4 compliant engine!