Reviving Ruby: The restoration journey of Farishta's 1961 Vespa VBB
When asked about Ruby, the name chosen for the Vespa by Farishta himself, he beams with pride. The smoothness of Ruby’s classic design and the nostalgic vibes it brings to the streets always command attention
As the automotive world is on the verge of going fully electric, we're living in such an era where there are arguably more electric scooter options in the market than the traditional internal combustion engine ones. And why wouldn't it be? These battery-packed ones are faster, lighter and easily more friendly to the pocket.
That being said, few things in life blend nostalgia, style, and engineering quite like a Vespa.
With years of ownership and keeping them alive, each one of these vintage commuters has their own story to tell. One of these examples is Farishta Jayas's 1961 Vespa VBB 150.
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When asked about Ruby, the name chosen for the Vespa by Farishta himself, he beams with pride. "She's an iconic piece of history, and owning her feels like being part of a legacy," he says.
However, this legacy wasn't all this sparkly and road-ready when it all started. Farishta, who is a software engineer by profession and a Vespa enthusiast by passion, found the Vespa in a neglected state, tucked away in a garage in Uttara.
"There was an instant connection when I first saw it," Farishta recalls. "The owner kept the original papers, which made the decision even easier, and without thinking twice, I went for it."
The restoration journey began in 2017. "The Vespa was in terrible condition," he admits. The base required a complete rebuild. Luckily, however, the Vespa's heart and soul—the engine—were salvageable.
For the next four months, Farishta's days went through tireless searches to source parts, enlisting expert mechanics, and pouring his heart into every detail.
"The toughest part? Patience," Farishta chuckled. For him, authenticity was the priority, and no corner was cut. "But when Ruby rolled out onto the streets for the first time, it was all worth it," he stated, "riding around town with my fiancée, sharing those carefree moments together—it made all the effort truly worthwhile."
The smoothness of Ruby's classic design and the nostalgic vibes it brings to the streets always command attention. "People smile, stop to admire her, and often ask about her story" he mentions, "it's like Ruby has her own fan club."
Keeping the joy of ownership aside, maintaining a 60 year old Vespa does come with its fair share of challenges. For instance, finding authentic parts can be tricky. However, "it's not impossible with a little dedication" as Farishta confirmed.
When Ruby was first restored, Farishta used it as his daily driver. Now however, it is kept reserved for weekend rides or special occasions whenever he wants to relive the classic era.
Yet, as a moderator of Vespa Club Bangladesh (VCB), Farishta has taken Ruby to countless trips organised by the club.
"Each ride strengthens the bond between me and Ruby," he describes, "it's amazing to connect with like-minded people while exploring new places."
As for Ruby's future, Farishta already has big dreams ready. "Someday, I plan to take Ruby on a journey across Bangladesh," he says, "It's a dream to explore the country with her and create memories that'll last a lifetime."
