u/Careless-Whereas4833

For anyone who has visited the Gandaria City mall in Jakarta, Indonesia, you've probably seen this massive, bright blue Vespa with its seat and handlebars looping endlessly into the air. It's an art installation called "After Party #3: Living the High Life" by the renowned Indonesian contemporary artist Eddi Prabandono.

At first glance, I honestly thought it was just a quirky, pop-art piece designed as a fun selfie spot for mall-goers. But after looking into it, the philosophy behind its absurd, ribbon-like shape is actually quite dark and mind-blowing. That 6.4-meter (21 ft) distorted stretch is directly tied to the artist's dark past in the 1980s, during which he battled multiple addictions and experienced severe hallucinations.

I just did a full breakdown of the history behind this piece, its journey to the prestigious Venice Biennale exhibition in Italy, and the psychological meaning behind making his "hallucinations" a reality. Head over to my IG to read the full story, the philosophy, and to see the close-up photos I took from different angles

https://www.instagram.com/p/DaDFtFhkt8L/?igsh=MTNtOGFsc3FhZ2FrbA==

For those who have seen this piece in person, what was your first impression of it?

I see way too many people getting scammed by shady flippers selling "fully restored" classic Vespas. They look gorgeous on the outside with fresh paint, but underneath, they are absolute money pits—or worse, literal death traps.

Before you drop thousands on a vintage VBB, Sprint, or Primavera, here is the checklist that dishonest sellers hope you don't know about:

1. The "Frankenstein" Papers (Matching Numbers) Never take the seller's word for it. Check the VIN on the frame and match it to the engine number and the title. If the numbers don't match, the investment value tanks, and you might have a nightmare getting it legally registered.

2. The Magnet Test (Floorboard Rot) Rust is the silent killer. Sellers will often slather an inch of Bondo (body filler) over severe frame rot, sand it smooth, and paint it. Pro-tip: Bring a small fridge magnet. If it doesn't stick to the floorboards, you're buying painted putty, not metal.

3. The Gear-Slip Nightmare When you test ride it, pay close attention to the left-hand shifter. If it violently pops out of gear under acceleration, the cruciform (the internal gear selector) is shot. You'll have to split the engine cases completely to fix a $20 part.

4. Repro vs. Patina (Original Parts) Don't be fooled by brand-new, shiny parts. International collectors pay top dollar for originality. A faded original Siem headlight glass or a slightly scratched factory Veglia speedometer is worth way more than a shiny, cheap replica.

5. The "Look Ma, No Hands" Test (Frame Alignment) A lot of these old scooters have been crashed. At a low, safe speed, momentarily loosen your grip on the handlebars. If the scooter aggressively dives to one side, the chassis is bent. Walk away.

It’s hard to explain exactly what a "Bondo bucket" or a fake original part looks like just through text. I made a swipeable photo guide showing exactly what red flags to look for visually over on my Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZXXMjwEui9/?igsh=aTQ1ZWtvY3VvMmp6

If you're currently hunting for a vintage Vespa and want me to check out some photos before you buy, hit me up there or drop an Imgur link in the comments below! I'm happy to help save you guys some money.

TL;DR: Fresh paint means nothing. Check matching numbers, bring a magnet, test the gears, look for original parts, and check the alignment

I see way too many people getting scammed by shady flippers selling "fully restored" classic Vespas. They look gorgeous on the outside with fresh paint, but underneath, they are absolute money pits—or worse, literal death traps.

Before you drop thousands on a vintage VBB, Sprint, or Primavera, here is the checklist that dishonest sellers hope you don't know about:

1. The "Frankenstein" Papers (Matching Numbers) Never take the seller's word for it. Check the VIN on the frame and match it to the engine number and the title. If the numbers don't match, the investment value tanks, and you might have a nightmare getting it legally registered.
2. The Magnet Test (Floorboard Rot) Rust is the silent killer. Sellers will often slather an inch of Bondo (body filler) over severe frame rot, sand it smooth, and paint it. Pro-tip: Bring a small fridge magnet. If it doesn't stick to the floorboards, you're buying painted putty, not metal.
3. The Gear-Slip Nightmare When you test ride it, pay close attention to the left-hand shifter. If it violently pops out of gear under acceleration, the cruciform (the internal gear selector) is shot. You'll have to split the engine cases completely to fix a $20 part.
4. Repro vs. Patina (Original Parts) Don't be fooled by brand-new, shiny parts. International collectors pay top dollar for originality. A faded original Siem headlight glass or a slightly scratched factory Veglia speedometer is worth way more than a shiny, cheap replica.
5. The "Look Ma, No Hands" Test (Frame Alignment) A lot of these old scooters have been crashed. At a low, safe speed, momentarily loosen your grip on the handlebars. If the scooter aggressively dives to one side, the chassis is bent. Walk away.

Visual Guide: It’s hard to explain exactly what a "Bondo bucket" or a fake original part looks like just through text. I made a swipeable photo guide showing exactly what red flags to look for visually over on my Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZXXMjwEui9/?igsh=aTQ1ZWtvY3VvMmp6

Most of us are used to seeing classic Vespas cruising around the city, but this is pure military history. Only about 600 of these were produced for French paratroopers. They came with a reinforced steel tubular bumper, a short gear ratio for dirt and mud, and an ammo rack for 6 extra rounds. Finding an original 150 TAP today in an old barn is basically winning the lottery, considering the insane demand from collectors in Italy and Portugal right now. Have any of you actually seen one of these in person at a museum or a show? P.S. I did a deep dive into the history and specs of the 150 TAP with some restored photos. You can check out the full visual gallery on my page here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZUxcj8EogD/?igsh=MTJ5b3Blb2ptcDhtMA==

Most of us are used to seeing classic Vespas cruising around the city, but this is pure military history.

Only about 600 of these were produced for French paratroopers. They came with a reinforced steel tubular bumper, a short gear ratio for dirt and mud, and an ammo rack for 6 extra rounds. Finding an original 150 TAP today in an old barn is basically winning the lottery, considering the insane demand from collectors in Italy and Portugal right now.

Have any of you actually seen one of these in person at a museum or a show?

P.S. I did a deep dive into the history and specs of the 150 TAP with some restored photos. You can check out the full visual gallery on my page here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZUxcj8EogD/?igsh=MTJ5b3Blb2ptcDhtMA==

If you're hunting for a classic European Vespa, the bodywork and engine numbers are obvious things to check. But honestly, one of the most overlooked details that tells the true story of the scooter's era is the speedometer.

I was recently looking into the history of original Vespa dials, and the design shifts perfectly mirror the scooter aesthetics of their time:

The 1950s: Speedometers weren't even standard from the factory on early models (like the 1946 Vespa 98). If you had one on a Faro Basso, it was an optional, tiny round accessory dial. Pure minimalism.

The 1960s: The golden era of the "Clamshell". As the scooter bodies got curvier (think VBA/VBB and Sprint), the dials turned into that iconic fan-shape we all recognize.

The 1970s & 80s: This is where it gets crazy. Top speeds went up, and by the time the PX Arcobaleno (Lusso) and T5 dropped in the 80s, we went from simple round dials to full-blown integrated, futuristic dashboards.

I actually put together a clean, visual timeline showing the exact shapes from the 50s to the 80s so you know exactly what to look for when identifying these models.

You can swipe through the full visual guide here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZSdPz8EtIz/?igsh=c2I3NGN2bjVtaHJ5

Which era do you think had the best aesthetic? Are you a fan of the minimal 60s clamshell, or the highly detailed 80s instrument clusters? Let me know! 👇

Stoked to share my latest find! Just grabbed this 1985 P150S out here in Indonesia today. I know Indo scoots can sometimes get a bad rap overseas for sketchy restorations or being "franken-bikes", which is exactly why I'm focusing on hunting down straight, honest examples to eventually ship out to riders internationally. And this one feels like a sweet pick-up. She runs super smooth and is completely dialed in for daily riding. Here’s what she’s running right now:

Engine: Original block & head

Carb: Spaco Dellorto 20-20

Ignition: Pinasco CDI + Excel magneto

Electrics: 100% sorted and working

Papers: All clean and legal

What do you guys think? Is there much love for the P-series in your local vintage scooter scenes right now? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Also, if you're curious about what else we've got in the stable, feel free to check out our Instagram at

https://www.instagram.com/point.vespa?igsh=bmN4Y3R1OWE0bnE2

Always happy to connect with fellow enthusiasts!

Stoked to share my latest find! Just grabbed this 1985 P150S out here in Indonesia today. She runs super smooth and is completely dialed in for daily riding. Here’s what she’s running right now:

​Engine: Original block & head ​

Carb: Spaco Dellorto 20-20

​Ignition: Pinasco CDI + Excel magneto ​

Electrics: 100% sorted and working ​

Papers: All clean and legal

​What do you guys think? Is there much love for the P-series in your local vintage scooter scenes right now? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Also, if you're curious about what else we've got in the stable, feel free to check out our Instagram at .

https://www.instagram.com/point.vespa?igsh=bmN4Y3R1OWE0bnE2Always

happy to connect with fellow enthusiasts!

Looking to give your classic Vespa a unique, high-end look? I’m letting go of this gorgeous, brand new set of Pinasco Modular rims and +62 CNC hubs. The contrast between the matte black outer rim and the metallic purple star center really pops. The modular design makes tubeless tire changes a breeze while giving your setup a premium, custom feel. Status: Brand New. Zero miles. Fitment: Fits classic 10-inch Vespas. Compatible with Largeframes (PX, Classic Sprint, Rally, etc.) and Smallframes (V50, ET3, PTS). Price & Shipping: If you are interested, please DM me! Worldwide shipping is available! I handle international export logistics regularly, so shipping to countries like Italy, Portugal, or anywhere else in Europe is safe and smooth. Feel free to send a DM if you want more pictures or a quick shipping estimate. Cheers!

Hey everyone, Whether you're a classic scooter enthusiast or a history buff, I want to share a fascinating piece of obscure automotive history from Southeast Asia: The Vespa Congo. It’s not an official model name from Piaggio, but a legendary moniker given to a very specific, highly sought-after batch of scooters with a unique military and diplomatic origin story. 🌍 The History: A Reward for Peacekeepers In the early 1960s, the UN launched a peacekeeping mission in the Republic of the Congo (ONUC). Indonesia sent a specialized military unit known as the Garuda Contingent III to assist. The Indonesian troops were highly commended by the UN for their success in maintaining peace and mediating conflicts. When the troops returned home in 1963, Indonesia's first President, Sukarno, wanted to give them the highest token of appreciation. The reward? A brand new Vespa for every soldier who served in the mission. 🛵 Why is it so special? (The German Connection) You might be thinking, "Okay, they got a Vespa, so what?" But the Vespa Congo has a totally different pedigree that makes vintage collectors drool: It wasn't built in Italy: These specific Vespas were manufactured in Augsburg, Germany (by Vespa GmbH Augsburg, which had ties to Messerschmitt). Built like a tank: Because they were manufactured in Germany, the sheet metal body of the Vespa Congo is notoriously thicker, heavier, and more rigid than standard Italian Vespas of the same era. The Specs: These were based on the VGLA / VGLB (150cc) models. They feature a rounded cowl, a distinctive square speedometer, and some came with 10-inch wheels, which gave them a completely different riding dynamic compared to the standard 8-inch wheels of the time. Military Papers: The original vehicle registration documents (if they still exist) have special codes indicating they were government/military issue rather than civilian vehicles. 💰 The "Holy Grail" Status Today In Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asian classic scooter scene, an original Vespa Congo is the absolute Holy Grail. Because of its historical value and the superior German build quality, prices are sky-high. A fully restored Vespa Congo with matching numbers and its original military registration papers can fetch astronomical prices. Because they are so valuable, the market is unfortunately flooded with "fakes"—standard vintage Vespas modified to look like the Congo edition. Has anyone outside of Southeast Asia ever heard of this specific batch of Augsburg Vespas? Or do you know of any other interesting instances where governments rewarded soldiers with unique civilian vehicles? Would love to hear your thoughts! P.S. If this post inspired you to work on your own restoration project, or if you are currently hunting for rare parts, I actually source and supply classic Vespa parts. If you're looking for 100% Original and NOS (New Old Stock) Vespa accessories to complete your build, check out my catalog here: https://msha.ke/vespapoint

Hey everyone, Whether you're a classic scooter enthusiast or a history buff, I want to share a fascinating piece of obscure automotive history from Southeast Asia: The Vespa Congo. It’s not an official model name from Piaggio, but a legendary moniker given to a very specific, highly sought-after batch of scooters with a unique military and diplomatic origin story. 🌍 The History: A Reward for Peacekeepers In the early 1960s, the UN launched a peacekeeping mission in the Republic of the Congo (ONUC). Indonesia sent a specialized military unit known as the Garuda Contingent III to assist. The Indonesian troops were highly commended by the UN for their success in maintaining peace and mediating conflicts. When the troops returned home in 1963, Indonesia's first President, Sukarno, wanted to give them the highest token of appreciation. The reward? A brand new Vespa for every soldier who served in the mission. 🛵 Why is it so special? (The German Connection) You might be thinking, "Okay, they got a Vespa, so what?" But the Vespa Congo has a totally different pedigree that makes vintage collectors drool: It wasn't built in Italy: These specific Vespas were manufactured in Augsburg, Germany (by Vespa GmbH Augsburg, which had ties to Messerschmitt). Built like a tank: Because they were manufactured in Germany, the sheet metal body of the Vespa Congo is notoriously thicker, heavier, and more rigid than standard Italian Vespas of the same era. The Specs: These were based on the VGLA / VGLB (150cc) models. They feature a rounded cowl, a distinctive square speedometer, and some came with 10-inch wheels, which gave them a completely different riding dynamic compared to the standard 8-inch wheels of the time. Military Papers: The original vehicle registration documents (if they still exist) have special codes indicating they were government/military issue rather than civilian vehicles. 💰 The "Holy Grail" Status Today In Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asian classic scooter scene, an original Vespa Congo is the absolute Holy Grail. Because of its historical value and the superior German build quality, prices are sky-high. A fully restored Vespa Congo with matching numbers and its original military registration papers can fetch astronomical prices. Because they are so valuable, the market is unfortunately flooded with "fakes"—standard vintage Vespas modified to look like the Congo edition. Has anyone outside of Southeast Asia ever heard of this specific batch of Augsburg Vespas? Or do you know of any other interesting instances where governments rewarded soldiers with unique civilian vehicles? Would love to hear your thoughts! P.S. If this post inspired you to work on your own restoration project, or if you are currently hunting for rare parts, I actually source and supply classic Vespa parts. If you're looking for 100% Original and NOS (New Old Stock) Vespa accessories to complete your build, check out my catalog here: https://msha.ke/vespapoint

Hey everyone, Whether you're a classic scooter enthusiast or a history buff, I want to share a fascinating piece of obscure automotive history from Southeast Asia: The Vespa Congo. It’s not an official model name from Piaggio, but a legendary moniker given to a very specific, highly sought-after batch of scooters with a unique military and diplomatic origin story.

🌍 The History: A Reward for Peacekeepers In the early 1960s, the UN launched a peacekeeping mission in the Republic of the Congo (ONUC). Indonesia sent a specialized military unit known as the Garuda Contingent III to assist. The Indonesian troops were highly commended by the UN for their success in maintaining peace and mediating conflicts. When the troops returned home in 1963, Indonesia's first President, Sukarno, wanted to give them the highest token of appreciation. The reward? A brand new Vespa for every soldier who served in the mission.

🛵 Why is it so special? (The German Connection) You might be thinking, "Okay, they got a Vespa, so what?" But the Vespa Congo has a totally different pedigree that makes vintage collectors drool: It wasn't built in Italy: These specific Vespas were manufactured in Augsburg, Germany (by Vespa GmbH Augsburg, which had ties to Messerschmitt). Built like a tank: Because they were manufactured in Germany, the sheet metal body of the Vespa Congo is notoriously thicker, heavier, and more rigid than standard Italian Vespas of the same era. The Specs: These were based on the VGLA / VGLB (150cc) models. They feature a rounded cowl, a distinctive square speedometer, and some came with 10-inch wheels, which gave them a completely different riding dynamic compared to the standard 8-inch wheels of the time. Military Papers: The original vehicle registration documents (if they still exist) have special codes indicating they were government/military issue rather than civilian vehicles.

💰 The "Holy Grail" Status Today In Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asian classic scooter scene, an original Vespa Congo is the absolute Holy Grail. Because of its historical value and the superior German build quality, prices are sky-high. A fully restored Vespa Congo with matching numbers and its original military registration papers can fetch astronomical prices. Because they are so valuable, the market is unfortunately flooded with "fakes"—standard vintage Vespas modified to look like the Congo edition. Has anyone outside of Southeast Asia ever heard of this specific batch of Augsburg Vespas? Or do you know of any other interesting instances where governments rewarded soldiers with unique civilian vehicles?

Would love to hear your thoughts!

P.S. If this post inspired you to work on your own restoration project, or if you are currently hunting for rare parts, I actually source and supply classic Vespa parts. If you're looking for 100% Original and NOS (New Old Stock) Vespa accessories to complete your build, check out my catalog here: https://msha.ke/vespapoint

Tackling the electrical system on my Vespa project today. The previous owner left me a lovely "spaghetti" of unmatched wires, crusty electrical tape, and mystery bypasses. Trying to trace everything back to figure out what stays and what needs a complete replacement. Does anyone else have a love/hate relationship with the wiring phase of a restoration? Any tips for keeping your sanity while sorting this out? Greetings from Indonesia!

ps.I also have a Vespa PX200 engine (Indonesian Danmotor 'Spartan' 200cc) available. If any builders in Europe are looking for a solid 200cc block, feel free to reach out. I can easily arrange international shippin

WhatsApp: 0895326150383

Welcoming a new classic to the garage! Check out this beautiful Vespa Exclusive 1987. It’s been a while since I’ve seen one this clean. It retains its complete original Indonesian registration history. All original papers are fully documented, meaning the history is clear and it's 100% ready for international export straight to your driveway, whether you're based in Europe or elsewhere. This machine is purely standard and runs like a dream – seriously smooth, no surprises. She’s built for daily use and long-distance touring alike. A huge upgrade for this build is the modern front disc brake – making a massive difference in handling and safety on modern roads.

Look through the images to appreciate all the details:

• A complete rear view showing the authentic plate and classic lines.
• Front profile, simple and classic.
• Side profile highlighting the EXCLUSIVE and PIAGGIO badges.
• A close-up on that sweet front disc brake setup.
• rear shot showing off the vintage aesthetics.
• Direct
• A clean view of the frame, footboard, and center mat.
• Detailed view of the engine fan cover and kickstart.
• An engine-side profile showcasing the clean block
• Logo and handlebars up close. Original key in the ignition.

But here’s the kicker... to give you peace of mind across borders, I'm offering a parts-only engine warranty for international riders. If a specific engine part needs replacing right after arrival, I've got you covered. Rare to find on an exported vintage like this. Anyone else as obsessed with this vintage metal as I am? My DMs are always open if you want to chat more about this specific ride, worldwide shipping logistics, or just talk classic scooters. 😉

Just wanted to share my 2002 Vespa Exclusive. Got the engine running incredibly smooth right now—it’s currently running a Japanese carb setup and it makes a world of difference. Still debating if I should give it a fresh repaint or just rock the current look, but mechanically she’s an absolute dream to ride

Just wanted to share my 2002 Vespa Exclusive. Got the engine running incredibly smooth right now—it’s currently running a Japanese carb setup and it makes a world of difference.Still debating if I should give it a fresh repaint or just rock the current look, but mechanically she’s an absolute dream to ride

Just wanted to share my 2002 Vespa Exclusive. Got the engine running incredibly smooth right now—it’s currently running a Japanese carb setup and it makes a world of difference. Still debating if I should give it a fresh repaint or just rock the current look, but mechanically she’s an absolute dream to ride

Bringing a 1976 classic back to life. Just wrapped up a full inside-out restoration on this Vespa Super. Vapor-blasted the engine so she's breathing like she just rolled out of the factory, and fully street legal, just admiring the art of the rebuild. Respect the classics!