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1963 Vespa VBB150 Review: A Timeless Classic The 1963 Vespa VBB150 is an iconic scooter that continues to capture the hearts of vintage scooter enthusiasts and collectors around the world. As a perfect blend of style, performance, and craftsmanship, this classic scooter from Vespa showcases the brand?s commitment to quality and design that has stood the test of time. The 1965 Piaggio 125 Allstate scooter, sold through Sears under the Allstate brand, is a charming relic of mid-century motor scooter design that continues to capture the hearts of vintage enthusiasts. Essentially a rebranded Vespa VNB, this scooter is a snapshot of post-war Italian ingenuity, wrapped in steel and powered by simplicity. True to the iconic Vespa lineage, the 125 Allstate sports a curvaceous pressed-steel monocoque frame, leg shield, and floorboard that not only give it a distinctive aesthetic but also provide structural integrity. The Allstate variants had subtle differences from standard Vespas, including different badging and some cost-saving components like a basic speedometer and no electric start. It features classic 8-inch wheels and a single saddle seat (with optional rear seat), making it look compact and approachable. The scooter's minimalistic design, chrome trim, and vintage styling elements give it enduring visual appeal?perfect for collectors and retro scooter fans alike. Powered by a 123cc 2-stroke single-cylinder engine, the 1965 Allstate offers modest performance by today?s standards but was perfectly suited to urban commuting in its time. Producing about 5 horsepower, it could cruise at around 45-50 mph. The 3-speed manual transmission, operated via the twist-grip shift on the handlebar, provides a learning curve for new riders but becomes intuitive with practice. Starting is kick-only, and the carbureted engine demands a bit of finesse and occasional tinkering?an expected trait for a scooter of this era. Riding the Allstate is as much about the experience as it is about transportation. Its soft suspension, low seat height, and light frame make it enjoyable for short jaunts and city cruising. However, the small drum brakes require a cautious riding style, and the small wheels don?t handle rough pavement particularly well. It?s not built for speed or long-distance travel, but for nostalgic neighborhood rides, it delivers a wonderfully analog, mechanical feel that?s lost in modern scooters. As a vintage vehicle, maintenance is part of the ownership experience. Luckily, thanks to its Vespa DNA, parts are still relatively accessible through specialty vendors and restoration shops. Simplicity in design makes it very DIY-friendly for those with basic mechanical skills. Expect to mix oil with your gas, clean the carb occasionally, and embrace the occasional quirk. The 1965 Piaggio 125 Allstate isn?t just a scooter?it?s a time machine. It?s ideal for vintage vehicle collectors, Vespa enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates the timeless style and hands-on riding experience of classic two-wheelers. It?s not fast, not high-tech, and not particularly practical by modern standards?but it?s got soul, and it?s a joy to ride and restore.