Deep Stance: A 1950s Vespa brought into the 21st century

Taking a Vespa VBA 150 from the late 1950s, this feature explores how modern performance and safety upgrades can be applied while retaining original paint and character. The project follows Daniel Gier’s approach to blending heritage with carefully planned modifications.

Taking a classic Vespa from the 1950s and bringing it into the 21st century, while at the same time retaining its heritage…

We all admire the stunning beauty of vintage scooter design, and none more so than that of the Vespa from the 1950s. That style is what makes them so iconic and why they are admired so much. Finding one that is unrestored and with good original paintwork is hard to come by these days, and the big question is, do you touch it up in any way? And the answer is always ‘no’, because no one wants to destroy a machine’s heritage. The problem arises when you want to use a machine that was designed to be on the roads in the 1950s, but bring it up to spec for modern day performance and safety.

Nothing is impossible, and it can be done, but mixing the old and the new together is a skilled task. If you get it wrong, it can become a mismatch, meaning the machine loses its identity, but it’s hard to revert back after altering its originality. Therefore, it takes careful planning through each stage to ensure the modification you are making works. It’s a bit like restoring an ancient building that needs repair, and the new piece blends in with its surroundings without standing out like a sore thumb.

Bigger is better

Daniel Gier, like many in Germany, began his scooter life with a PX 80 Lusso, as it was the only way to be legal on the road at sixteen. The natural progression followed a standard template, as seen in the many rallies held there in the 1990s. Influenced by the machines and the people present, it leaves an everlasting effect. Daniel was inspired by the beautiful craftsmanship of the Vespa, and to him, it became more than just a scooter but also a work of art. This can be seen in his scooter, ‘A kind of 70s’, featured in the magazine some time back.

His new project, was based on a pristine Vespa VBA 150 from the late 1950s. What always stands out on older Vespa models, is the small 8-inch wheels, which aren’t exactly the best for road handling. Let’s face it, both the Vespa and the Lambretta moved from 8 to 10-inch wheels by the 1960s, so converting them was always going to happen. A difficult task already, but Daniel made it even more challenging by going even bigger, changing them to a 12-inch diameter. Although there was limited room, the vehicle would now have SIP Series Pordoi 3.0 x 12 wheel rims fitted. At the front, it would require different forks using the PK XL2 type, which would allow for a disc brake to be equipped with far better suspension.

That would be the Zelioni Disk Brake and BGM calliper, along with the BGM SC/F16 front suspension. There was always going to be the issue of fitting the hydraulic master cylinder without making it too obtrusive, so it was decided to matt black the control arms on both sides so they matched in colour. That was also done for the hose, hiding its silver look by lining the exposed part with black braiding. Though the wheel hugs the front mudguard much closer, it doesn’t look lost like the original with its 8-inch wheel; if anything, it gives it a more natural feel.

Keeping the original engine is always the debatable question, and while it is a bit of an antiquated design, there are some worthwhile upgrades available for vintage Vespa engines. Daniel did consider this but ultimately opted to change the casings, utilising those from an LML 150. Fitted with a VMC Crono 177 cylinder kit, its 63mm bore reaches 177cc capacity when used in conjunction with a 57mm stroke crank. However, an SIP Performance crank was fitted, which has a 62mm stroke and a slightly longer 110mm rod, raising the engine displacement to 193cc. Other extras, including the DellOrto 30 PHBH, MRP reed manifold valve intake, SIP Performance 2.0 expansion pipe, VMC 10 molle clutch and SIP vape ignition, all made for one high-end performance package. All said, this will give a power output in the 26 to 28 bhp range, which is ample enough.

That’s why a BGM SC/R12 competition shock absorber was added at the rear and, along with the same front wheel setup, it gives the chassis the upgrade it needs to handle the power the engine now produces. That’s where the clever thinking comes in, because there is no use shoving a powerful engine in a vintage scooter unless you can follow suit with everything else. If you don’t, then the machine won’t handle properly or have the stopping power required. The other skill involves hiding everything underneath the panels without having to make any frame alterations.

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that in 1959, a factory worker at Piaggio applied paint to this machine, and it remains in excellent condition today. This, of course, is down to the paint being so good in the first place and it being well garaged in the intervening years. With that in mind, it’s no wonder Daniel wanted to preserve it, so the paint description here is somewhat limited. In fact, the only difference was the wheels, which have been painted a bronze colour, and with the only other real option silver, the choice has been a good one. The headlight rim has been matt blacked, but this is only to complement the controls, which were governed by the master cylinder shade.

So, what about the extras? Less is better on this type of custom scooter. The most useful upgrade is the speedometer, which has been changed to a SIP 2.0 Special, offering everything needed without looking too obtrusive. On the legshields, there is a neat-looking oil can complemented with a Z Design paint scheme and held in place by a neat leather strap for that vintage look. The only other noticeable addition is the seat, crafted by Streamline, and when viewed from the side, it couldn’t be any more streamlined, as it hugs the back of the frame. That’s it for additions, as the more is less philosophy really kicks in and is the correct policy.

There you have it, a vintage Vespa in original condition brought up to modern-day standards without destroying its past. It’s something to be proud of, as it shows that this type of customisation can give you the best of both worlds. What of the name, though? Where did that come from? Perhaps the last words then should come from Daniel, as he explains it from the soul: “In the tuning scene, ‘stance’ refers not just to the way a vehicle sits but also to one’s attitude and approach. ‘Deep’ signifies the depth of the suspension, but it also reflects my personal perspective and commitment to craftsmanship. Thus, the name ‘Deep Stance’ was born, perfectly capturing the duality of the project and the passion behind it.”

Words: Stuart Owen
Images: Claudia Zinnen

MAN AND MACHINE

Owner: Daniel Gier
Name of scooter: Deep Stance
Scooter model: VBA 150
Kit: LML 150 engine Case, VMC chrono 177ccm
Crank: SIP Performance Longstroke with 110 conrod, 62 mm stroke
Carb: DellOrto 30 PHBH, MRP Reed manifold valve intake, MRP air hose
Exhaust: SIP Performance 2.0
Clutch: VMC 10 molle sprocket 22 teeth DRT
Gearbox: PX Lusso 200 with short fourth gear and 65 DRT primary
Ignition: SIP vape ignition Stativ DC
Paintwork & murals by: original paint
Powder coating by: RustyHangar
Seat by: Streamline Seats
Frame modifications: Shorter 5,5 cm PK XL2 Fork, Specialised Adapter to shorten the shock absorber
Other details: Zelioni Disk Brake, BGM Brake calliper, BGM shock absorber (Front SC/F16 competition and rear SC/R12 competition) SIP SERIES PORDOI 3.0×12 ET20 5×86 rims, 110/60-12 43L Tyre 12V electric fully DC with conversion wiring loom and battery. LED lights, Speedometer/rev Counter SIP 2.0 Special modified

Daniel extends his gratitude to Michael Zocher (RustyHangar) for inspiring the project, Tim Wenzel for his invaluable craftsmanship support, and Michael and Claudia Zinnen from Z-Design for their design support and photography contributions.

Article originally appeared in Scootering Magazine November 2025 issue. To subscribe and grab some Meguiars cleaning freebies visit https://classicmagazines.co.uk/scootering?offer=SCOME2026