The passion for machines takes many forms. Witness the total restoration of a Vespa 125cc motor scooter, here reduced to only three minutes via time lapse photography, and see the beautiful result.
Time-lapse videos have become extremely popular on the internet, and it’s easy to see why. They can take a complex, multi-step process and collapse it down to only a few minutes—ideal for the web and its hurry-up viewing times. Take this complete restoration of a derelict 1964 Vespa VNB 125 motor scooter from Retrospective Scooters, for example.
The actual work on this Vespa took around four months, but here the action has been compressed to four minutes. And we still get to see all the odd and fascinating mechanical details of a vintage scooter, the painstaking rebuilding and refinishing of all the components, and the beautiful result. And you can pause or repeat the video at any time you like for a closer look.
In the ’50s and ’60s, motor scooters like the Vespa helped to put Europe back on wheels, and naturally, many folks have fond memories of these fun yet practical little machines. In Britain, an entire subculture called the Mods celebrated the scooter as its chosen mode of transportation, and here in America, this Vespa scooter was sold at Sears department stores under the Allstate name. The passion for machines takes almost infinite forms. Not everyone is into motor scooters, but any gearhead can appreciate the transformation that takes place here. Enjoy the video.
Beautiful restoration and nice video. Had I been of age in the early 60’s, I think I would have had a difficult time choosing between the fast bikes of the “rockers,” and the great music of the “mods!”
Very entertaining. While a Vespa wouldn’t be on my list of desirable projects, I realize that there are many who would welcome such a vehicle. I might add that the restoration process is very similar whether you are restoring an Indian Chief or a Vespa. Great job!
I love Vespa scooters