models

1963 Vespa 50 N (V5A1T) — The first smallframe

The 50 N (Normale) was the first of the smallframe line, and was launched in 1963 alongside the 90. Initally all were painted in light green, though other colours would follow. It featured a 50cc engine with 3 speed gearbox, pressed steel 9 inch wheels, a single saddle seat, and plain black rubber floorboard strips. A speedometer was optional. It had a 14mm Dell'Orto carburettor and produced 1.45bhp.

It was the first appearance of the smallframe engine with its 45° cylinder. It was also the last Vespa designed by the genius Corradino D'Ascanio.

The model pictured shows many of the features of the early smallframes, such as 9 inch pressed steel wheels, the shorter smaller fuel tank and the small engine cover door. From chassis number 70240 the method of attaching it to the body would change. In 1965, from chassis number 92877, it would be enlarged to enable production of the Nuova 125, allowing access to 125cc engines with their taller cylinder. This chassis was known as the "unificata" (unified). In addition the crankcase was changed to be common to all three models, with the cylinder base enlarged to match.

The taillight changed from aluminium to all transparent red plastic from chassis 49127.

In 1967, from chassis number 200001, the body would grow longer. This chassis is known as the "allungata" (elongated). At the same time the lettering on the legshield changed from dark blue to black, and the rectangular Piaggio badge was replaced by the hexagonal one.

For the first series the script on the legshields was stamped from flat aluminium and attached with adhesive. Subsequent series had a cast aluminium badge rivetted to the legshield. There was no rear badging.

In Italy it was legal to ride it without a licence or registration from the age of 14, as long as top speed was 40kmh and you didn't carry a passenger. Nevertheless, fitting the Vespa 90's dual seat was a popular modification among the teenagers. Italians are fairly happy for laws to exist as long as not too much is done to enforce them.