The Veteran Vespa Club (VVC)

The Veteran Vespa Club (VVC) was formed in 1964 as a branch of the Vespa Club of Britain (VCB) dedicated to encouraging the preservation and use of old Vespas. It still fulfils this function to this day.

The VVC was, in fact, born out of the Brighton and Mid-Sussex branches of the VCB. Club scootering in this country peaked around 1960, rising living standards and consequent car ownership eroding the membership of VCB branches after this date. The Brighton Vespa Club folded in 1962, the remaining active members joining the Hassocks-based Mid Sussex branch. One such member was Frank Brookes, who quickly realised that it was essential to come up with new ideas in order to prevent a terminal decline in Club Scootering. Frank had the idea of replicating the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run for old Vespas.

In the event thirty or so Rod, G and GL2 models started out from Tattenham Corner on Epsom Downs early on April 5th 1964. Eventually they arrived at Withdean Stadium to be greeted by the Mayor of Brighton and many local scooterists. A gymkhana and concours followed, and the event was judged to be a great success.

So much so, in fact, that it was decided to form a permanent Branch for the purpose of organising future runs. The resulting Veteran Vespa Club has grown and evolved over the years to the point where it now accounts for almost half the total membership of the VCB itself.

For more information on the VVC contact Peter Harris on veteranvespa@yahoo.com

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