Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Tony Tony Tony

Well known Filipino columnist and one time president Cory cabinet member Antonio Abaya is a Vespa scooterist, an Olympic sailor (that's another story) and a world traveler. He once embarked on a solo trip around Western Europe on a brand new 125cc Vespa in 1961 and wrote about his sojourn for The Sunday Times magazine December that same year. He bought the wasp for $300.00++. Cool! He eventually wrote a book about this trip...
What exact model vespa he had on that trip, he did not specify in the book but he managed to include a lone picture of him on his wasp. Looking at the front fender, I think it's a Vespa U Model. Love that style and look! Here he is on the first page:

He rode for 17,752 kilometers over 13 countries in six months. His adventure during those times, where there were no cell phones nor internet yet, and I dont know if the credit card has been invented by then already, was phenominal. As a modern vespa scooterist, I know how the old 6 volt-contact point electrical system of the vintage Vespas become inefficient at some point in use. Well done sir. Saludo po kami sa inyo, Manong Tony!

1 comment:

kEkURe said...

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Retro Old School Rocka

Its all about vespa generation and for die hard vespa fans..haha..i tink so..Also review the retro and the old school evolution..60's,70's,80's & 90's..CHECK IT OUT!!!