U stood for “utilitaria“ and that was what Piaggio‘s new entry model for 1953 was supposed to be called. Piaggio tried to save up where possible. Chrome trim was nowhere to be found, even the lettering was just painted on. The left side panel was reduced in size, the right one had become a mere cover for the engine. All around, including the engine, either parts from already existing models were used or simply left out. Piaggio also saved up on the color options as the U was only available in verde pastello. Its success was negligible. Clients did not want to save and happily ordered the next best model on offer.

In the end Piaggio found buyers for only 2,000 of the 6,000 125 U models built. The rest had lived miserable lives stored away in warehouses until after two years they somewhat found their salvation. 3,500 pieces were sold to Iran and transformed into workhorses for the state mail service. Because of its rarity the U has become subject to recreations, some better, some less good.

This reminiscence to a 125 U has been restored by a specialist near Rome with incredible attention to the original details. While its almost impossible to distinguish it from real U, its price tag is just a fraction of what an original would cost.

Chassis: VU1T*2360*, Motor: VU1M nicht lesbar, Österreichische Einzelgenehmigung (Austrian papers)