We’re proud to say that we get a lot of really nice used scooters in our showroom, but the star of the show right now is an immaculate, 2018 Sei Giorni 300.
With a little over 7,500 miles (12,158km) on the clock, this machine's has led a very gentle life in the care of an owner for whom nothing was too much trouble in terms of maintenance.
It’s strange to think of a modern auto as a ‘classic’, but the first edition Sei Giorni machines probably deserve that accolade. If that sounds like a strong statement, we’re not just referring to their popularity, but also for the story behind their creation and for that we need to travel back in time to the early 1950s.
The six day trial
When the Vespa team secured 9 gold medals in the 1951 International Six Day Trail it was a victory that Enrico Piaggio couldn’t have foreseen just five years earlier. Although the Vespa was launched in 1946 as an affordable form of transport it was inevitable that the Italians would find a way to race it. The launch of Lambretta in 1947, created a natural rival for Vespa and as the two marques fought for supremacy, scooter sport was born.
Vespa approached the challenge by producing sporting editions of production models, the first of which was a highly refined edition of the 98. Bright red in colour these ‘Circuito’ (circuit) models enjoyed considerable success.
The International Six Day Trail (ISDT), now the International Six Day Enduro, is the oldest event on the International Motorcycling Federation’s calendar and is widely regarded as the Olympics of Motorcycling. First held in 1913 the early events were held on a mixture of roads, tracks and race circuits testing a variety of disciplines and riding skills. When it was announced that the 1951 event was to be held on Italian soil Vespa rose to the challenge and developed the ‘Sei Giorni’ (Six Days) racer. Even by contemporary standards Piaggio’s ambition was incredible. The ISDT was contested by the world’s major motorcycle manufacturers who fielded teams of experienced riders. The success of a ‘shopping bike’ in such an environment was by no means assured.
The 1951 Sei Giorni Racer closely resembled its production line relatives but was almost a new machine. Modifications included a larger fuel tank, streamlined leg shields, twin spare wheels, a strip map container and of course a tuned engine that required a larger engine side panel to accommodate the carburettor. Suspension and braking were also improved but that was of course measured by contemporary standards!
The venue for the 1951 event was the province of Varese, approximately 35 miles north of Milan. Varese was the ideal venue for a motorcycle trail event as the region is dominated by seven hills and the Circuit at Monza was available to host the speed trial element of the competition.
For the event, Vespa fielded a team of ten riders; Biasci, Cau, Granchi, Mazzoncini, Merlo, Nesti, Opessi, Riva, Romano and Vivaldi. At the end of the contest the Vespa team secured a total of 9 Gold Medals. Three riders; Giuseppe Cau, Miro Riva and Bruno Romano would go on to win the Motorcycle Italian Federation Trophy. It was success beyond Piaggio’s dreams, generating publicity across Europe and proving to the world of motorcycling that the little Vespa was a force to be reckoned with.
It’s for good reason that one of the six day racers is proudly displayed amongst other sporting machines at the Vespa Museum in Pontedera.
The 2016 revival
The Sei Giorni tribute was first unveiled at the 2016 Motorcycle Show in Milan, and was an instant cause of discussion. The GTV’s ‘Faro Basso’ styling always sold well in the UK so its absence from showrooms had been slightly confusing. The prospect of a special edition was intriguing as it celebrated a specific event in Vespa’s history, demonstrating a genuine awareness of their heritage. As Piaggio’s Alberto Cani explained at the time, “We wanted to create a tribute to the original team, the pioneers who did so much to establish Vespa on the world stage.”
Although Vespa’s publicity stated that the Sei Giorni was neither a GTS nor a GTV but a standalone special edition, the Sei Giorni is actually derived from what was then the American market GTV. The satin green finish is unique to the Sei Giorni as are the vinyl race numbers and special edition plaque. Our example is numbered 2948, which is fitting given that this year we're celebrating the 80th anniversary of Vespa's 1948 launch.
Before Vespa historians hit the keyboard, the number 6 isn’t intended to represent one of the original riders, but instead acknowledges the 1951 event’s medal tally.
Specifications and performance
Standard features of the model include a USB charging port, LED running lights in the front indicators and linked ABS, although its American market origins mean there’s no traction control fitted. Other detail changes include a satin black exhaust heat guard and Sei Giorni liveried wheels.
In common with all large capacity, large frame Vespas of the time The Sei Giorni is powered by the latest generation 300cc Euro 4 single cylinder, 4-stroke, 4-valve, liquid cooled ‘Quasar’ engine. Factory figures are 15.6 kW (21.2 CV) of power at 7,750 rpm and maximum torque of 22 Nm at just 5,000 rpm. Though if that’s not enough for you we can help out with some very nice upgrades from Polini…
Chance to buy a classic
As many Sei Giorni’s lived a hard life, being trashed by owners with sporting aspirations that would fit in well with the original ISDT team’s ethos, it’s exceptionally rare to find an example in such good condition as the one currently gracing our showroom. So, if you’d like to own a future classic that comes with MOT, road tax and the reassurance of a three month parts and labour warranty, then call in to our showroom or give our sales team a call on 01226 203377 . We can even arrange nationwide delivery for you.
Just don’t put off the decision for too long, at £3,699 this is one scooter that won’t hang around!
Additional images: Piaggio
