TO BE, OR NOT TO BE, THAT IS THE QUESTION
Launched in 1985, the Vespa P125 ETS was the sports derivative of the PK range, the new smallframe Vespa of the time. It was only in production for 1984/85 with fewer than 12,000 machines finding their way off the Pontedera production line. It was said to have a top speed of 65mph which made it the fastest smallframe; in fact the fastest Vespa 125 in production at that time.
But then Piaggio launched the world-beating Vespa T5 in 1985, with better sportier looks and an even higher top speed. This new T5 ‘super scooter’ allowed the 17-year-old learner to keep up with the big lads and lasses on their 200cc scooters.
Did Piaggio actually plan to kill off the ETS?
Or was it just as an unforeseen coincidence of the success of the T5? Who knows? But does this snapshot of a Vespa model and the limited number produced make it worthy of a place in the Vespa Hall of Fame?
LET’S HAVE A LOOK!
Fellow VVC clubmate, Rich Vickery, is lucky enough to own a P125 ETS – and not
