FARO BASSO – T HE WIDE F RAME E RA

To non-Italian language speakers, some of the most simple Italian words and phrases can sound rather exotic. Take Faro Basso, for example, it does have a slightly mystical, avant-guard sound. In reality, it translates as low light – although some internet Italian to English translation sites amusingly suggest Faro Basso means low lighthouse. When the term Faro Basso is applied to an early Vespa it’s not in reference to any particular model; Faro Basso uniformly applies to any of the late 40s and early to mid-50s Vespas with the front headlight mounted on the front mudguard. Quite simply, a Faro Basso Vespa just means it has a low light.

Douglas in Bristol, England, was licensed by Piaggio to make Vespa scooters for both the UK and Commonwealth markets with the Rod model being the first of a number of Vespa models, made or assembled in kit form at the Kingswood factory, between 1951 and 1965. After which Douglas imported Vespa scooters from Piaggio until 1982. And even after that, ‘Douglas Vespa’ continued to appear in new registration logbooks. Both my MK1 1986 T5 and T5 Classic have Douglas Vespa as the manufacturer in their respective documentation. The Rod Model, so-called due to the rod operated gear change, was based on the 1949 (Piaggio) Vespa 125, preceded in Italy with Vespa 98 and 98 MK2 and followed by the cable operated G model.

Pondetera made 98 MK2 and Vespa 125 models which were all to the same basic design of aeronautical engineer Corradino D'Ascanio, as were several later Italian models, which included the mudguard mounted headlamp. In the UK however, the front light was repositioned, mounted on the legshields for Douglas made Rod models. This was to comply with British traffic legislation of the time. An Italian-made Faro Basso Vespa was displayed on the Douglas stand at the 1949 Earls Court Motorcycle show. Douglas Vespa production commenced in 1951 although no Faro Basso Vespas were produced for the British market.

Back in the early 50s, a television set was a luxury item, avenues open to advertising all manner of products to the masses was limited to magazines, newspapers, billboards and via the then hugely popular medium of cinema. Piaggio introduced the new, improved Vespa 125 in 1952, (V30T), which was also a Faro Basso, resulting in Vespa sales increasing strongly. Whether it was luck, judgement or a combination of all, the powers that be at Paramount Pictures in Hollywood now chose to set what these days would be referred to as a rom com (romantic comedy), or chick flick on location in Rome. Produced and directed by William Wyler, this big screen blockbuster, Roman Holiday, was released in 1953. Starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck the plot followed a princess and a journalist falling in love while both were visiting Rome. Many of the scenes feature the pair riding around the streets and iconic locations of Rome on a Faro Basso Vespa 125.

Roman Holiday was an international box office smash, scooping up three Academy Awards, and also was a seriously contributory factor in Vespa sales rocketing, including in America. Piaggio, with films shot on location in Europe, especially Italy, made Vespa scooters available for Hollywood stars to ride around the film sets. Recipients of courtesy Vespas on film sets included Charlton Heston, Cary Grant, Raquel Welch and The Duke himself – John Wayne. According to some sources, after filming The Quiet Man on location in Ireland, John Wayne enjoyed riding a Vespa so much he bought one for himself. A repro poster of John Wayne, on set, with a Vespa, is available online with, the caption: “If you think Vespas are for sissies, Big John wants a word.” To any detractors, imagine John Wayne drawling, with his thumbs stuck in his belt: “Get off your scoot and drink your milk, pilgrim,” which of course the iconic legendary tough guy probably never said.

G model Vespas had the headlight mounted on the leg shields, the Vespa headlight was probably drawing breath on its upward rise. Then the 1953 Vespa U, (Utility) model (VU1T) a budget priced, short-lived Vespa, 7000 made, was the first Vespa with a headlight mounted on the handlebars.

The launch of the GS Mk1(VS1T) in 1955, first of the large frame models, marked more or less the end for the Vespa wide frame; although Faro Basso Vespas continued to be made into the latter half of the 50s, on upgraded, slightly improved variants of models, launched in the late 40s and early 50s. When those early, wide frame models reached the end of their production run Faro Basso Vespas ceased too.