models

1969 Vespa 50 Special (V5A1T, V5B1T, V5B3T) and 1991 50 Special Revival (V5R1T)

The 50 Special was a variation on the 50, immediately distingushable by the contrasting plastic squared-off horn cover on the legshields and a squared-off headset. It was designed to appeal to young people, and was launched alongside the 50 Elestart. It had a 1.5bhp engine giving a top speed of 40kmh, allowing Italian 14 year olds to ride it without a licence or registration.

The first series, V5A1T, had a 3 speed gearbox, diagonal script lettering and 9 inch wheels with aluminium brake drums. The second version, V5B1T, came in 1972 and brought with it improved handling thanks to its new 10 inch wheels. In 1975 the 3rd version, V5B3T, the three speed gave way to a 4 speed gearbox. This last version had the block lettering.

None of this is true of the North American spec 50 Special. That version was basically a 100 Sport, but with 6 volt electrics, a 50cc engine and a three-speed gearbox.

In 1991 Piaggio brought out the 50 Special Revival (V5R1T), although they got a bit confused with the naming as it wasn't a revival of the 50 Special at all, but basically identical to a 50 R. This meant a 40km/h top speed and a 3 speed gearbox. It had a monoposto saddle and "Vespa" script on the legshield. Only 3000 were made, and each had a plaque inside the legsield.