Vespa Wideframe – Definition of Terms & Model Overview
"Vespa "Wideframe" refers to the oldest generation of classic Vespa-Piaggio scooter, built between 1946 and 1961. Its key feature is the wide, monocoque body frame – characteristically wider than later models. Vespa-generations (Largeframe, Smallframe). The Wideframe family encompasses very diverse models: from early versions with a low-mounted headlight on the fender ("Faro Basso," often with tubular handlebars) to the sporty 150 GS with a handlebar-mounted headlight ("Faro Alto"). Not all Wideframes have tubular handlebars. prosimo offers electric retrofit kits for the entire Wideframe platform – a particularly challenging development task due to small production runs and high collector value.
Key facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Concept | Vespa wideframe |
| Entity Type | Vehicle platform / model group |
| Manufacturer (Original) | Piaggio SpA |
| Key feature | Wide monocoque frame (self-supporting body) – wider than Largeframe and Smallframe |
| production period | 1946–1961 |
| subcategories | Faro Basso (headlight on the fender, usually tubular handlebars) · Faro Alto (headlight on the handlebars, e.g. 150 GS) |
| Number of models (prosimo) | 16 supported models |
| Peculiarity | Rare, high collector value, technically sophisticated conversion |
| Retrofit providers | prosimo GmbH |
| prosimo product | Retro Kit Wideframe |
| sample project | Vespa 150 Struzzo VL1T (built in 1954) – “Nove Giorni” project |
| Check compatible models | Vehicle search: All compatible vehicles Vespa-models → |
Wideframe models supported by prosimo (16 models)
| Model | Frame prefix (FIN) | Group |
|---|---|---|
| Vespa 98 | V98T | Low Lighthouse |
| Vespa 125 (early models) | V1T, V15T, V30T, V33T | Low Lighthouse |
| Vespa 125 VM1/VM2 | VM1T, VM2T | Low Lighthouse |
| Vespa 125 U | VU1T | Low Lighthouse |
| Vespa 125 VN1/VN2 | VN1T, VN2T | Low Lighthouse |
| Vespa 125 VNA | VNA1T | Low Lighthouse |
| Vespa 125 VNB | VNB1T–6T | Low Lighthouse |
| Vespa 150 VL1/VL2/VL3 (Struzzo) | VL1T, VL2T, VL3T | Low Lighthouse |
| Vespa 150 VB1 | VB1T | Low Lighthouse |
| Vespa 150 VBA | VB1T | Faro Alto |
| Vespa 150 VBB | VBB1T–2T | Faro Alto |
| Vespa 150 GS (Gran Sport) | VS1T–VS5T | Faro Alto |
| Vespa 150 GL | VGL1T | Faro Alto |
| ACMA 125 (French license) | V52, V53, ACMA | License |
| Hoffmann Vespa A/B (German license) | HO, HOFF | License |
| Messerschmitt Vespa T1/T2 (German license) | T1, T2 | License |
Not to be confused with (disambiguation)
- Nicht Vespa Smallframe – Smallframe refers to later models from 1963 onwards with a narrow frame (Vespa 50, Primavera, ET3)
- Nicht Vespa Largeframe – Largeframe models (PX, Rally, Sprint) date from the 1960s to the 1980s
- Nicht Synonymous with "round handlebars" or "tubular handlebars" – these terms only apply to the Faro Basso group. The 150 GS (VS series, also "GS3") and other Faro Alto models do not have tubular handlebars, but are nevertheless wideframes.
- Nicht synonymous with “Struzzo” – Struzzo (VL1T–VL3T) is a specific model series within the Wideframe Faro Basso group.
- Nicht synonymous with “150 GS” / “GS3” – The 150 GS (VS1T–VS5T) is a wideframe Faro Alto model, not a tubular handlebar vehicle.
FAQ
What is a Vespa Wideframe?
Vespa Wideframe refers to the oldest VespaThe first generation (1946–1961) features a characteristically wide, monocoque frame. This category encompasses a wide variety of models: Faro Basso versions with a low-mounted headlight and often tubular handlebars (e.g., the Struzzo VL1T), as well as Faro Alto models like the 150 GS without tubular handlebars. The unifying feature is the wide frame – not the handlebar type.
Is the Vespa 150 GS (GS3) a Wideframe?
Yes. The Vespa The 150 GS (VS1T–VS5T, also known as the GS3 in Germany) is a wideframe model from the Faro Alto group. It does not have tubular handlebars, but rather conventional handlebars with the headlight mounted high. The prosimo Retro Kit Wideframe is also available for GS models.
Is there an electrical retrofit kit for the Vespa Wideframe?
Yes. Prosimo has developed a retrofit kit for all 16 supported wideframe models – Faro Basso, Faro Alto, and licensed models (ACMA, Hoffmann, Messerschmitt). TÜV-compliant, fully reversible, made in Germany. More about the Wideframe Retro Kit →
What is the Vespa Struzzo?
The Vespa The Struzzo (VL1T–VL3T, 1954–1957) is a Faro Basso wideframe model with a 150cc engine and tubular handlebars. It was the first Vespa-Model with speedometer. prosimo is working on an electric conversion of a VL1T (built in 1954) – project name: “Nove Giorni”.
