Vespa – Vespino – Vale – Delta
1953 – 2003
Publisher: Moto Retro Author: Francisco Herreros ISBN: 978-84-934734-5-7 211 pages Price: 45 Euros
This book is an enlarged volume of the previously published title ‘Vespa 1953 – 2002’, also from the same author and publisher. Francisco Herreros’ latest book covers the history, production and technical details of the entire Spanish production from the Moto Vespa Company. Sadly for the English reader the text is in Spanish, but as the book is full of diagrams and photographs of the subject matter, much of the information is self-explanatory. As far as is known, this book and its predecessor are the only publications on this little known, often badly interpreted and poorly understood subject. For those lucky enough to have a copy of the first volume, this book is purely an extension of the previous scooter-based text with no amendments, but with the page count doubling to include all the motorised two-wheelers, other than scooters, once produced by Moto Vespa.
The production output of Moto Vespa models as recorded in this volume can only be described as impressively prodigious. Complete listings of these vehicles and their technical specifications are included that will help the UK scooter enthusiast not to make false assumptions when comparing the Spanish production models with the Italian range. Interestingly enough, the ‘Vespino’ mentioned in the book’s title has become the Spanish language catchphrase for that type of vehicle – that is to say, the vehicle known as a ‘moped’ in the English language.
The other vehicles also mentioned in the title are variants of the ‘step through’ scooter/moped theme.
Francisco Herreros Alfaro, to give him his full name, is a Spanish-born engineer, businessman, journalist and writer. Considered an authority on the subject of Spanish production motorcycles, he has published numerous reference works as well as collaborating on that subject for specialised publications. He is the founder of both the Club de Amigos de la Motocicleta Española and also of the first magazine dedicated to the Spanish motorcycle, Moto Retro. In 1992, he launched another initiative in Spain, the publication of thematic books, both on the history and mechanics of classic Spanish motorcycles and those sharing Spanish collaboration with foreign manufacturers. The 11 volumes so far published include books on the Bultaco, the OSSA and the Spanish Lambretta, or the Serveta. Unfortunately these books are quite difficult to source in the UK and are best found by searching the internet (Amazon would be a good place to start).
Great bags for classic Vespa models in a harmonious vintage look, produced in weather-resistant regenerated leather in different colours (beige, grey and black).
■ no luggage carrier needed for
mounting
■ plastic fastening points on the sides,
grey
■ retractable carrying handle
■ detachable carrying strap
■ the large inner compartment offers enough space for small purchases (mobile phone, wallet, laptop, pens, bunch of keys, etc.).
■ punched ‘M&R’ logo