Tales of two vintage mini-Vespa

That’s my 3-year old nephew, Enzo, riding the all-metal, vintage toy Vespa I recently acquired. I got it from an antique dealer at the Suan Lum Night Bazaar in Bangkok which is like our Tiendesitas here in Manila. It didn’t come cheap but I figured I’d rather have this one than look for an actual vintage Vespa to restore. hehehe I had to carry it riding a tuktuk back to our hotel, looked for a box big enough around the Divisoria-ish Pratunam Market the next day, and paid overweight charges at the airport. All that hassle just to get this baby in Manila (thanks again to spank_me for the “meet & greet” at NAIA ). But mind you, it’s not even like I’m the only one who has it here.

Meet Charlie (aka Vestsinoy). He’s got one exactly like mine and only paid a freakin’ P300 for it. What the…?!! That’s not #@%* fair! hahaha! Here’s his story:

“If luck is on your side you’ll stumble on things and it will find you. Well luck was on my side that day, while strolling around downtown Manila I happen to be at the right place at the right time. I saw a kid sitting on a small old metal Vespa. WOW! A faithful detail replica made of metal. “This is soo mine!” (with greed ng konti hehe). I ask for her mom and offer to buy it, she instantly agreed. “How much?” i asked. Clueless mom…“Ikaw?” 300 pesos… Done! It’s like owning the best toy in your block, when I was a kid. Now it adorn my bookshelves.”

Galing mambarat! hahaha! Here’s a pic of that 300 peso-deal displayed in his shelf…

I haven’t seen Charlie’s unit in actual yet. But looks to me that his has got more original parts than mine. The wheels, grips, lights and wiring in mine aren’t original anymore. Plus (I don’t know it this is good or bad) mine has been converted to accommodate pedals, cogs and chains. I have to see his mini-Vespa if and when I begin to restore min.

And that’s not the end of Charlie’s lucky streak. He also has another vinatge mini-scoot (a 1961 Laverda 49cc) displayed atop their buffet counter. Read his blog entry “Vintage Scooter for home accessories?” to see it.

Ma-swerte si loko!

-o-
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J0HNRANA

john[dot]rana[at]gmail[dot]com