1962 GL 150 T/4 Speedo/tail light - Vespa Congo

[kalinaw]

In English:

Hello German Scooter forum...

Let me tell you what I have. I have a 1962 Vespa GL 150 with the following serial numbers: Engine VGLB1M 043578 - Frame VGLB1T 042512.

This scooter has been preserved and is in excellent working condition with a stong engine and perfect body. I am in the middle of restoring it and the last part I am in need of is the speedo. I am ready to rebuild a speedo if necessary, but would like to find a complete one if possible. I was able to get this vespa out of Jakarta and it is now in thedesert of the US and will be preserved.

Let me tell you the story of this Vespa. In 1964-6 The Indonesian Military (Garuda III) went to Congo to serve with the UN peacekeeping force. When the soliders and officers returned Sukarno (NOT Suharto) gave those that served a vespa (among other trinkets) in thanks to their service. I was able to get an officer's version of this gift. This thing is all original and in perfect shape. It has been frankenscooterd with wierd parts over the years, but I have it almost back in shape to close to the original. What I am missing now is a speedo and a tail light. These seem to be impossible to find. I have no idea where or how the Indonesian government in 1965 got thier hands on these German made vespas, but they add to the mistique of the "Vespa Congo." Look that up... it is an obsession in Indonesia.

Can anyone help me to find the VDO speedo and original Hela tail light. Please help...

Here are some pics. This is the way I found it. Sort of sad, but you get the drift...

[linamera]

Hi,

German or Italien EBAY. Speedometer from GS2, GS3 fits in. But don´t be shocked about the price.

Between 100-200Euro - depends on condition.

[eye.dee]

Nice story! AFAIK the vespas with a "G" in the frame number (VGLA1T or VGLB1T) were produced mainly for export purposes. These models got some special features (turn signals, brake light etc.) to fit the local regulations. Depending on the country where the vespa was assembled or sold, a vespa gl could be either the VNA/VNB/VBB type, or the one that is more commonly refered to as the vespa gl. This one has the VLA1T frame, with trapezoid handlebars, unique sidecowls and a unique mudguard. Your model, in terms of frame characteristics, is the VNA, VNB, VBB type of vespa.

In Germany, Piaggio Germany used to sell the VGLA1T and as of 1963 the VGLB1T as the "150 Touren". We also refer to it as "T/4". It used to come with 10'' rims and the mudguard that fits the GS/3, too. The frames were equipped with parts from German manufacturers (VDO speedo, Denfeld seat, Hella taillight and turn signals, ...) Your vespa seems to be exactly this model. It has 10''rims, the right mudguard and the proper handle bars (with the red control light right above the speedo).

You can buy replicas of the taillight, e.g. here and here, the seat and speedo will cost at least 100 EUR each, in unrestored condition. Some are sold via Ebay Germany, others in the classifieds section of this forum...

Follow this link to look at some of those T4 vespas. Good luck with the restoration!