RACING
SETTING LAMBRETTA STATIC TIMING
THE WAVES
Skema inspired Skema-inspired Vespa PX Disc BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
When Mod creativity shines through
ECLECTIC ENGINEERING
Saving scooters from a rusty grave
DIRTQUAKE
SEVENTIES SCOOTER SPORT
Revisiting those heady sportsmen moments SCOOTERAMA! – A FELICITOUS FANFARE OF FACTS, FEEDBACK & FACES
No. 128 Aug/September 2019
£3.90
Anything goes at this racetrack
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Issue 128 Aug/Sept 2019
Founding Editor: Mau Spencer 01507 529408 mauspencer@classicscooterist.com Publishing director: Dan Savage Publisher: Tim Hartley Contributors: Rich Addison; Gill Beecham; Jon Betts; Pete Davies, Dave Dry; Ferrit; Rod Gillan; Chris Wainwright; Andy Westlake. Apologies to anyone we’ve forgotten. Some of the articles within these pages express the opinions of the contributors and are not necessarily those of Classic Scooterist. Design: Chris Abrams and Luke Medler Production editor: Mike Cowton Picture desk: Paul Fincham, Jonathan Schofield Group advertising manager: Sue Keily Divisional advertising manager: Zoe Thurling zthurling@mortons.co.uk (01507 529412) Advertising: Stuart Yule syule@mortons.co.uk (01507 529455) Subscription manager: Paul Deacon Circulation manager: Steve O’Hara Marketing manager: Charlotte Park Commercial director: Nigel Hole Editorial address: Classic Scooterist magazine. PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ General queries and back issues: 01507 529529 (24hr answerphone) Archivist: Jane Skayman 01507 529423 jskayman@mortons.co.uk Next issue (129) published: Sept 18, 2019 Editorial deadline: August 12, 2019 CLASSIC SCOOTERIST (ISSN:1756-9494) is published bi-monthly by Mortons Media Group Ltd, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LZ UK. USA subscriptions are $36 per year from Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 Cty Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. Periodical Postage is paid at Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Postmaster: Send address changes to CLASSIC SCOOTERIST, Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 Cty Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. 715-572-4595 Email: chris@classicbikebooks.com www.classicbikebooks.com Distribution: Marketforce UK Ltd 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HU Subscription: Full subscription rates (but see page 44 for offer): (12 months 6 issues, inc post and packing) – UK £22.80. Export rates are also available – see page 44 for more details. UK subscriptions are zero-rated for the purposes of Value Added Tax. Customer services number: 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open: Monday-Friday 8.30am-7pm, Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm Printed by: William Gibbons & Sons, Wolverhampton © Mortons Media Group. All rights reserved. No part of this publication maybe reproduced without prior written permission. In the event of a dispute developing between two or more individual clubs, businesses, or organisations - and in the abscence of any legal ruling to the contrary - Mortons Media will strive to maintain a neutral position in not disadvantaging either party.
SEE PAGE 44
40 CONTENTS 4
Back when we had hair
Nostalgic memories from times gone by
10 Mailbox
Readers have their say
12 Scooterama
A felicitous fanfare of facts, feedback and faces
18 What’s going on?
A quick look at what’s on the calendar
20 Event and rallies
A round-up of recent scooter events
28 Graff life
Take one street artist; then let him loose on a Vespa and you end up with a visuallystriking scooter!
32 ‘Always Angry’ The Professional Publishers Association
Member
Having trouble finding a copy of this magazine? Why not Just Ask your local newsagent to reserve you a copy each month?
Gibbo waited 12 years to get his hands on this Vespa 50 Special
36 Seventies scooter sport John Addison shares a few emo orie es me
40 The LC1 Super Sprint
Just one word for Mark Green's ex-NK racer – perfection!
46 Back in the day
It’s 1955 and time for fuel in the Scottish Six Day Trial
48 Best of both worlds
Freddy’s Mod-style Vespa and Lambretta
52 ‘Harry Hooter’
Bonneville Bob’s Triumph Tigress
56 A globetrotting Cometa From Milan to the UK, via South Africa – this Cometa has lived a life
58 Coming in from the cold Roy’s IWL Berlin SR 59
62 Five counties charity ride 450 mile trip around Ireland, raising money for charity
64 Eclectic engineering
Saving scooters from a rusty grave
66 Getting from A to (Model) B
g a sha afttie e back to life e Bringging
68 Race the Waves 2
Scooters return to the sand
70 DirtQuake invitational
It’s not often you’re invited to a free unconventional race
72 Retaining originality Renovating stainless trim
74 Setting Lambretta static timing
A modern approach to a classic problem
78 The Nobel 200
Winston’s Irish pride and joy
80 Read the rules!
The Colonel’s attempt at the VCB Rider Competition continues…
82 Scooter clubs
Meet and greet your local club
84 Tales from the vault The Southend mystery
86 Scooterist classifieds
For all your wants and needs
90 Blast from the past
urko opp Dia ana a Sportt Mk2 Du
Are you ready for the year's biggest weekend?
F
or those out there who are rally-going o scooterists, there are two major scooter events that are just around the corner and both take place on the south coast over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The British Scooter Rallies Association, as usual, will be running the international Isle of Wight Scooter Rally (by far the biggest scooter event anywhere in the world). A little further around the coast at Brighton, the New Untouchables are running what has now
become their annual alternative event, their NUTS Mod Weekender, which is growing in popularity, year-on-year. Whether you’re a staunch BSRA national rally supporter, or follow a gentler (possibly) Modernistic lifestyle, then either event should cater for your individual needs. Some scooterists even try to do both – and it’s not unusual to find scooterist arriving on the IoW from Brighton on the Sunday, in time for the annual mass scooter rideout.
By this time in the scooterist season, the more organised among us will have any ferry bookings, weekend accommodation, event tickets and other peripheral needs well and truly sorted – but if you haven’t done, now’s the time to address any outstanding issues. Ferries get pretty busy over the holiday weekend and accommodation is even harder to find – so make sure you don’t leave it too late!
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n e h w k Bac we had hair DO YOU HAVE A NOSTALGIC STORY TO TELL, OR AN OLD PICTURE
TO SHARE?
6LZ ✉ mauspencer@classicscooterist.com ☎ 01507 529408 ✎ Classic Scooterist, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9
Uniform U if ffor LLambretta b ett Cl Clubb Germany
A 50-year gap Two pictures of my SX200: one was taken in 1969 after a car failed to stop at a give way sign – the scooter was a write-off; the second one was taken this year. Still loving scootering. Steve Shields
My scooter liiffe
I
t was my first year on the committee of Lambretta Club Germany and we wanted to give our members going to the Lincoln event something special. So, I had the idea of our ‘uniforms’. I contacted a clothing company and finally got the number of a German guy who was responsible for PR etc. Before I called him I found out he owned a J50. I explained my issue and he was directly very positive and excited. We eventually received 65 Harrington jackets and 65 polo shirts (men in red jackets, women dark blue jackets). We were so happy and proud. Rolf Emm
Me on my fi firrst scooter – I’vve still got the crash hat!
Me on myy SX150 – wiishh I stiill hadd it.
A week in Southh Wales l
Here I am today, aged 65, with my Li 200 – still love my Lambretta Reg Bishop
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I was given this Vespa Clubman 125cc and I restored it with spray cans etc. After passing my test, I joined Crystal Palace Vespa Club where I met my current wife – we are still together (50 years next year). I still have five Vespas (a GTV250, ET4, 92L, GS 150 VS5, and a 70th Anniversary PX150). These photos were taken on a week’s ride to South Wales with my brother. My SS180 was purchased at Elite Motors in Garret Lane, Tooting, South London. It was a great scooter which cost around £190 – wish I still had it of course. David Sheppard
Gordon’s memories
Me and my uncle Bill on my first scooter – a TV175 – bought for £40 in 1968. My dad is doing an early form of photobombing in the background.
My attempt at ‘chrome won’t get you home’ on my second scooter – around 1969.
Pete Sherwen, myself and Keith Bryan off to the races at Cadwell (probably) in 1972 or 1973.
1970: my brand-new GP200. WDSC stands for Widnes & District Scooter Club. I can’t remember exactly why the ‘The Saints’ name was dropped, but I think there was a schism in the club and founding Saints member, John Barber, left and took the name with him.
1971 (I think): Pete Sherwen demonstrates what happens when an inlet manifold comes loose at the IoM Scooter Week. Gordon Eves
Memories from the Eighties
Mike Owen
Easter 1981
Pictures taken at my first scooter rally – Scarborough, Easter 1981. Still doing it in Scarborough to this day. Ian Ward
My first Lambretta Here’s a picture of me on my first Lambretta – those were the days! Len Selfe
Lisa and nd Spencer This picture was taken in 1985 and shows my wife Lisa and our eldest lad, Spencer, sitting on the latest addition to the long list at the time – an Italian GP200 which I bought for the extortionate price of £40. Oh how I wish for those days again. Andrew Dye
Late Seventies
A bit blurry, but here are a couple of pics of me and my scooter back in the 1970s. Glenn Rowan
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Back to the mid-1980ss
The way it was… …In Liverpool at least.
Gary Roberts
These pictures were taken during 1984/85 around Cwmbran and Newport.
Off to Scarborough I think this picture was taken in Malton on the way to Scarborough for an Easter weekend in the 1970s. Had hair back then. Janu Mila
1985 Weston-super-Mare rally.
High riser I have no words…
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I thinkk this one was takken att Glevum Stax duriingg 19985. Andrew Money
Keith Watkins
Scarborough g scooterboys oy
This is how we rolled in Scarborough in 1975 – where is everyone now?
My GP200 using my TV panels whilst I was painting it. That’s what we used to do.
1980s Redcar
We were well behaved weren't we? We broke no laws; no one owned a 135 Primmy registered as a 50; we didn't get 14 MoTs from one bike; reregistering a 200 as 125 was unheard of; no insurance; no licence. Crazy – we probably put organised crime to shame in the 1980s. Peter Grimes
Bridlington in 1971 My SX150. Loved that scoot; loved the times. Richard Cook
This GP200 Electronic was owned by the guy in the top left corner of the group photo. I’m the second owner. John Carter
Scarborough Little other information though.
Alan Blakey
Easter 1976
My first scooter
You can just about see me, Pete Walker, Ken Brammer and Linda with what looks like Ginner's M reg Vespa! Mick Wilkinson
This photo from 1972 shows the first scooter I owned. I’m now 62 years old and still have two scooters that I ride every week. Bill Tucker
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LCGB’s 60th anniversary Lambretta Club GB’s 60th anniversary trip to the motor museum from Shipston. Ian Bridgeman
Oh wh whatt a night! i ht! Picture taken in Great Yarmouth during 1982 after a very heavy night. My P200 ‘Green with Envy’ is in the background. Paul Morton
Lad about town Scarborough 1980. Okey Michael
Morecambe-bound
Taken on the way to Morecambe in 1988. Tim Hill
Cutdowns
Loved a cutdown back in the day – 35 years ago – makes me feel very old! Andrew Nicholls
1970s Skegness Taken in Skeggy around 1976/77. Sue Murgatroyd
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Dirty Dozen SC Picture taken 1983 or 84. About to head home from a run (thinking Skegness or Southport)? Martin Fane
Eighties-sty tyle scootering
A happy test ride
On tour Eighties-style.
Old skool summer 1985
Left-right: Me on the left (soon to turn 17) on my green GP200. Blue Vespa 90 with 50 plates from Prud Prydderch – was fitted with the engine out of my SS90 that I gave 15 quid for; Jane V Gallurt on her Vespa 150; my bro Raphael Henri on Vespa PX; the Li150 of Dave Boss Griffin – oh and the caravan I lived in. Lou Henri
Yellow oilskins – proper waterproofs. Almost 40 years on and still can’tt get lightweight waterproofs. I was the original ‘boil in the bag’ scooterist. Paul Todd
The younger years
Spider in Scarborough Scarborough 1981. The GP150 cost £90, no expense spared on the headlight lens. Back in the day Spider was my nickname and I was with Hull Drifters (original club) then I think. Chris Murphy
The Arrows all Mod club during my younger yyears – bringg them back!
Vespa GL2 M Me on th the lleft, ft sitting itti g on my fi firstt scoott - a V100 Sports Douglas Vespa. Skoot Mcadam
Pics of my 1954 GL2 back in 1995. It was restored after a year or two, but was never practical for road use (top speed was 42mph). I sold it a couple of years ago. Aidan Herdman
EuroLambretta memories
Picture taken at the 1993 Saignelegier Swiss Jamboree. Paolo Catani
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t, PO ✎ Classic Scooteris
le, Lincs LN9 6LZ
Box 99, Horncast
VESPBRETTA CUTDOWN
Hi Mau, Was wondering if you'd be interested in a wee story about my mate David McKay's custom scooter shown here with before and after images? All hand-built by him. It debuted at Kelso this year, but sadly missed out on an award – this guy has got some serious skills, in my opinion. This cutdown started out as an idea by me about having two frames put together. I asked fellow Aberdeen Classic SC member, David 'Tooms' McKay (a fabricator welder) if it could be done. His reply was: "Easy pal." So he took the frames and done just what was asked of him. As it was ongoing and taking shape, 'Tooms' was saying "do this, and do that", and it was decided that as he had big visions for the cutdown, we made a deal and it became his project. He fabricated pretty much every bit of the scooter and started by adding a bit to the rear of frame for twin working tail pipes, footboards, legshields; he cut the tank down and modified it to allow the headset to turn, made a rear brake set up (all cables are hidden in frame) and made some one-off Sundance grips – the list is endless. He decided on the paint, having talked to Mike Coutts in Aberdeen. The cutdown was finished on Thursday, May 23, ready for its debut at the Kelso National rally on May 24. It gained a lot of interest and was photographed by many people. Sadly it never won any awards, but it will be ridden around the UK this year and it will show that the tailpipes do actually work (a few people had asked if it was just for show). 'Tooms' also has a chopper he's been working on and that will be taking shape ready for Kelso next year.
Johnny Street
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✉
.com
ssicscooterist mauspencer@cla
☎
01507 529408
HELLO FROM FINLAND
Hi, I live in Turku, Finland, and have read in my local newspaper about a review in Classic Scooterist, issue 126, regarding a book by Antero Laiho on 60s Finnish youth culture. The fame of your magazine is certainly worldwide. I’m 67 years old, but I’m a true fan of scooters. In the 60s I had a Vespa SS. I have also sent you a photo of an unusual Vespa with sidecar, is that the right word? Keep up the good work.
POWER TO THE PEOPLE
Hi Mau, After reading Pete Davies’ article on Niall McCart’s electric scooter in a previous issue, the last paragraph, I’m sure, will chill all petrol heads to the bone. I wonder if he would be good enough to tell us where electricity comes from? Is it created by some magical pure force that will save the world? Just wondered.
Brett Shiers
There’s no easy answer to this question and people will view the surrounding issues differently. We use fossil fuel like coal and wind/nuclear power to generate electricity;
Timo Snällström
we also use electricity as an energy source to refine petrol and diesel into a form that can be used to power our vehicles, which are produced on an electrically powered production line dominated – and then we even use electricity to pump fossil fuels into our vehicles. So, in short, whichever fuel source we use has an impact on our lives and our environment – and whether we like or disagree with how the environmental problem is being addressed, that’s the stark reality of living with the worldwide climate situation we are currently facing.
VESPA FRONT WHEEL BEARING ARI REPLACEMENT
Mau, I was reading your article on GS/SS wheel bearing replacement in Classic Scooterist, issue 113. Can you tell me what size bearings were used? I'm having trouble finding a definitive indication of the sizing. I have a smaller (pretty sure on this one) Vespa PN 2800 Bearing #6201 12x32x10mm, Larger Vespa PN 7563 Bearing #6203 17x40x12mm, or Bearing #6204 20x47x14mm. Any info would be appreciated!
Kip Gebhardt
The bearings used were as follows: Front wheel left side was 20x47x14 (6204-2RS1); part no 7563. Front wheel right side was 12x32x10 (6201-2RS1); part no 2800. It is suggested that ‘sealed for life’ bearings are fitted. This will guarantee that the brake shoes cannot be contaminated with grease.
DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION?
Can Classic Scooterist help you find the answer? It doesn’t necessarily have to be a technical question and can be about any scooter-related subject. If we don’t know the answer ourselves, then we’ll throw your question over to our readers to see if they can help. Email scooterguru@scooteristscene. com with your questions, but don’t expect an instant answer – sometimes these things take time.
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A M A R E T O SCO
CK & FACES A FELICITOUS FANFARE OF FACTS, FEEDBA ooterist.com ☎ 01507 529408 sicsc
le, Lincs LN9 6LZ ✉ mauspencer@clas
✎ Classic Scooterist, PO Box 99, Horncast
Malossi’s new Vespa crank bearing set RRP: £ various Hot off the presses from Malossi is a new crank bearing set for the Vespa 90/100/Primavera models. Malossi claims it offers significant benefits over standard replacement bearings available, with oversized balls, carbon nitride inner rings, steel and polyamide cages to improve not only longevity but all lubrication properties. Malossi has also had the bearings designed with reinforcement to allow for greater loads for heavy duty applications. Info: www.ve-uk.com
NEW 306CC VESPA LARGEFRAME ENGINE
Mod-style lamps RRP: £ various Owners looking to add extra lighting to their machine for a Mod look are well catered for with the range of lamps available from VE (UK). VE17176-X: Bates style 4.5in headlamp finished in high quality chrome plating. Bottom mounting. VE17117: A lightweight 2.5in chrome plastic spotlamp perfect for mounting to a front carrier. Supplied with a small ‘W clip’ for
SIMON CUERDEN
Founder member of the Armed Forces SC, Simon Cuerden, passed away on Thursday, June 27 after suffering a massive stroke on the previous day. In response to his passing, Simon’s son Zak posted this message on his Facebook page: we have abbreviated it in order for it to make sense in print: “So my dad has just passed away, peacefully and without pain, after suffering a stroke on Thursday night. I know that many of you cared about him deeply. He had such a huge impact on everyone that he came in contact with, that I do not think I am exaggerating by saying that his death will affect thousands of people and this place has been left with a hole that we all will struggle to fill.
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ease of fitting. VE17370: A high quality 4.5in chrome spot lamp available with either a clear or yellow lens. Bottom mounting. TN204511/12/13/14: The perfect 2.5in bullet lamp for mounting to bodywork, carriers or crashbars by adding a suitable mounting clip. The lamps are available with an amber, blue, clear or red lens and are finished in chrome with a matching peak. Info: www.ve-uk.com In his final act on this earth dad has given both kidneys and his liver to help save three lives. I don't know who these lucky three people are, but I hope one day they will know that ‘the Simon Cuerden’ saved their lives. He was not one for letting tragedy dictate his life, therefore I ask that you all do the same and celebrate his life, rather than mourn his death. My dad was many things: he was a soldier, a scooterist, a Northern Soul dancer and a friend. But I will always remember him as my mum’s (Carol) husband and as my dad. I ask that you share this post and comment your favourite memory of my dad; I will enjoy reading stories about that hilarious, smart, kind and loving man. Rest in peace Dad, I will always love and remember you”. On behalf of Classic Scooterist and all our readers, we send our condolences to Simon’s family and friends. [Image courtesy of Wendy Bunt)
The 55bhp BFA Motori 306cc Vespa engine comes with world-beating specifications; it has been developed by the Italian company of BFA (formerly BSG) which was previously better known for its small-frame Vespa engines, but the guys there have teamed-up with SIP to produce their 55bhp Vespa 306 powerhouse for large-frame Vespas. To arrive at this capacity the engine has a 78mm cylinder bore coupled with a 64mm stroke crankshaft, all mated to the design innovation of the BFA Motori 306 crankcase with its unique, inlet manifold and four petal reed-valve. Drive is via a purpose-designed clutch and a Malossi MHR VesPower electronic ignition setup The engine component parts can be purchased separately, but the fully assembled, tested and running price is €7900. For this you get a fully developed engine that fits the frame geometry of any large frame Vespa to allow a possible 140kph (86mph) top speed. A possible competitor to the Targa Twin developed for the Lambretta in price and performance for scooterists with deep pockets. More info: www.sip-scootershop.com/ en/products/racing+ cylinder+sip+bfa+ 306+cc+_78245600 www.vespmoto.de/bfamotori-306/english/
CHUCK SWONNELL – DOWN, BUT NOT OUT
It’s a thumbs-up from Chuck If you’re an Old Skool scooterist it’s unlikely that you’ve never heard of octogenarian scooterist, Chuck Swonnell, who has dedicated his life to the world of scooters, riding his Lambrettas and Vespas all over the world and helping to organise both UK and international events. On Sunday, June 16, Chuck suffered a major stroke and was placed in a neurological intensive care unit; then, after a few days observation, he was transferred to St Helier Hospital in Wrythe
Lane, Carshalton where (at the time of going to press) he now resides. Consultants have examined and assessed him, resulting in the news that he will need constant care when he eventually comes out of hospital. Always being a fighter, Chuck might be down, but he’s certainly not out and can still raise a smile and give you the thumbs-up (his stroke has resulted in him not being able to actually speak at the moment). He has to sit in a chair
for two hours a day and to do that the ward staff have giving him a chair nicknamed ‘George Michael’. Needless to say Chuck is living up to his new celebrity status and is now up to receiving visitors– but please bear in mind his condition. If you go along and see him and there’s a crowd around his bed, then it might be advisable to come back a little later if you can; on the other hand, if you’re already with Chuck and other visitors turn up, then be gracious and let them spend some time with Chuck. Above all, if Chuck’s family are there, or turn up, then please
respect any family privacy. Obviously it’s difficult to be upto-date in print with situations like this, so keep an eye on Chuck’s Facebook site for the latest info; and if we hear any more, we’ll put it up on the Classic Scooterist Facebook site as well. In the meantime, and on behalf of myself and all the Classic Scooterist readers, we hope your health improves soon Chuck – the scooter scene isn’t the same without you. Apologies for the quality of the images shown – mobile phone photos I’m afraid.
Mau
Chuck with sister Sue and brother-in-law David
THE FUTURE FOR SCOMADI
There can’t be many people in the scooter world who haven’t already heard about the demise of Scomadi UK Ltd, which left those scooterists who had already purchased one wondering where that left them in terms of future warranty claims, etc. But fear not, as a new UK-based company has been formed to take up the challenge. Scomadi GB Ltd will be working directly with Scomadi Asia Pacific Thailand and will be importing Scomadi scooters into
the UK; the company will also be developing an enlarged dealer network to provide a complete sales/service backup to old and new customers alike. Scomadi Asia Pacific Thailand has the development and sales rights to produce and sell the later TT versions worldwide; they will also continue to develop the Scomadi brand and introduce new models. They will be working with a new company that will provide ongoing warranty and sales support for the Scomadi scooter range.
SIP OPEN DAY ATTRACTS 1000 RIDERS
On Saturday, May 4, the annual SIP Open Day took place in Landsberg, Germany providing more than 1000 visitors with an enjoyable start to the scooter season, despite the unpleasant weather. Scooter riders came from Switzerland, France, Austria, Italy and England. All day long vinyl sounds were played by DJ Leo Ernst (Atomic Café, Munich) while pizza, grill and drink refreshements were available from the Siperia. The SIP Open Day for next year will take place on May 9 – put it in your diary now.
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SCOOTERAMA!
Mod Art BOOK R
perception of its subject with a quite stunning pictorial layout – most of the images being rare, or never seen before items. The subject matter is not, of course, all confined to the ‘art for art’s sake’ depictions, but also features the notably evocative music styles that will be forever tied in with the Mod brand via, perhaps, the ground breaking Ready Steady Go on a Friday night. The music themes mentioned are many and varied, but always ‘cool’, albeit jazz, rhythm & blues, blue beat, psychedelia or pop from the 1960s through to the Mod Revival of the 1970s. An interesting point is made in the pages of Mod Art about the overlap between music and art and even, possibly – the never before considered concept – of a similar counter textuality between the high profile and archetypical Mod steeds in the form of the Vespa or Lambretta customised scooters and their influence – unlikely as it might sound – on the future of art. The last mentioned item being quite an original thought-provoking insight in its own right. The Mod clothing style featured holds a unique, exacting and possibly ‘last trump’ of the dandy in its attention to detail and often fine tailoring both for the peacockesque Mod male and its Mary Quant boutique-following females – a fashion high point arguably never exceeded and, obviously mentioned in both the text and in pictorial form within the pages of this book. The male, smart casual, Ivy League crossover with Italian sharp tailoring is captured by the evocative advertising aimed at the Mod audience. A major part of the Mod narrative that is highlighted is the influence of particular pop bands such as the Small Faces
EVIEW
MedicAlert Biker Tag RRP: £2.50 (minimum donation) MedicAlert and Biker Down have joined forces to create a new helmet tag, making it easier for first responders and emergency services staff to get their hands on a rider’s medical information should the worst happen. The MedicAlert Foundation is a UK charity which provides a full medical ID service. With medical checks to ensure accurate details, your records are kept safe and made available in an emergency via a 24/7 hotline. Members wear medical ID jewellery containing vital information and the hotline number. However, in the case of a biker injury, the jewellery may be hidden under heavy clothing – and that’s why MedicAlert has joined forces with Biker Down to release a new helmet tag. The helmet tags are essentially small plastic pouches which attach to the side of a helmet. They can be torn open when needed to release a piece of paper which contains a rider’s medical information. The clever solution helps first responders to ensure the injured biker is treated according to their specific needs. MedicAlert is offering the helmet tags free to riders who join up to MedicAlert – and you can also get a £5 discount on membership (using code BD5). For riders who do not require the services of MedicAlert, the helmet tags are available for a minimum donation of £2.50. Info: www.medicalert.org.uk
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Author: Paul ‘Smiler’ Anderson Published by: Omnibus Press ISBN: 978.1.78305.968.3 Price: £25 Reviewer: Dave Dry On reviewing a book with the word ‘Mod’ in the title for an audience of the scooter faithful, the task is a little fraught, as that particular word is often a turn-off for a hard-core of what might otherwise be seen as a target audience. Indeed the casual observer invariably thinks that scooters and Mods equate to the same thing – sadly, this is far from true. However, in the case of this volume perhaps the unbelievers in the scooter scene might give this book a go, as there’s some pertinent, interesting and valid items waiting for them inside its cover, including a whole chapter on custom scooters and the ‘prophet’ of the type – Eddy Grimstead. Of all the youth ‘cults’ one of the most enduring must be Modernism. This can be judged by its many endearing facets and a whole library of books surrounding the subject that include Paul ‘Smiler’ Anderson’s seminal Mods the New Religion that is effectively the history, or more correctly, the Genesis of the Mod movement. We now have another volume from this prolific student of the genre in the shape of Mod Art. Mod Art is the much heralded and long awaited sequel that is far more all-embracing than its predecessor from the point of view that it encompasses the entire stylistic constructs of this movement, removing the temporal focus from the late 1950s to the end of the 1960s for a broad brush approach to the entire development of the Mod art form from its 50s inception to the present day. As an art book Mod Art, unsurprisingly, majors on the visual
and The Who to pick out just two influencers from the narrative. These bands had the backdrop of carefully styled and hand crafted posters and record album sleeves advertising their presence and, not forgetting The Who’s indelible imprint on the Mod scene in the form of Quadrophenia – both the musical album and the film (despite many modern day Modernist taking a step back from the popularity the film engendered in a lifestyle that had previously been far from main stream and very elitist)! Finally, and just to underline the book’s commitment to art, the final chapter features various ‘movers and shakers’ in the form of modern artists who have both adopted and developed Modthemed artwork. All-in-all, Mod Art must be recommended as an unmissable artefact for anyone with the slightest interest in both Modernism and, possibly, scooters with their closely linked, timeless classic style and appeal. Well done Paul ‘Smiler’ Anderson for assembling this incomparable opus!
Paul Anderson with an alternative cover version of Mod Art
SCOOTERAMA! Scooterboys The Lost Tribe ISBN: 978-1908211-75-0 Price: £16.95 Author: Martin ‘Sticky’ Round Publisher: Carpet Bombing Culture Reviewer: Mau Having had an obsession with two wheels since the age of 14, virtually all of my teenage years were taken up with the scooter scene of the Swinging Sixties (as it has since become known). But by the mid-70s with life and responsibilities both demanding attention, it was time for me to move on in with my life. However, by the early 90s, with the younger family members now at the age where they leave the nest, my scooter interest finally had a chance to resurface. So in effect, I had missed out on around 15 years of the scooter lifestyle. Scooterboys, The Lost Tribe, effectively focuses on the scooter lifestyle history from the point I had exited it back in the 70s. And by that point in time, the scene had changed dramatically, as reflected in this particular book written by Martin ‘Sticky’ Round. To quantify his Scooterboy tale, ‘Sticky’ uses his own interpretation of the scooter historic timeline from the mid-40s when the Vespa and Lambretta marques were introduced (although in reality scooters – albeit other makes – have been around for much longer than that). The introduction of the Vespa and Lambretta were to become a major game-changer for scooter enthusiasts. Historically, the scooter lifestyle was at its height during the 1950s and those early days
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were (in some respects) a much gentler time during which the UK was still recovering from the aftermath of the Second World War; by the time the 1960s arrived, technology had moved on, especially with regards to the media, and things like colour photography and colour TVs made the recording of social history so much easier. With new innovative inventions coming out of the woodwork at a rapid rate, the whole era exploded into a myriad of music, fashion and social lifestyle – the UK was finally starting to emerge from the shadows. By the mid-1970s all those memories of the 60s were becoming a part of the distant past; not only had technology continued to develop, but people’s views of life were changing fast, and it wasn’t long before the ‘peace and love’ of the 60s was quickly replaced by a much stronger attitude towards life – and it’s at this point (once you’ve waded through his history lesson) that the heart of this book gets into full flow. The Scooterboys tale is a very different story to the previous, much gentler eras; ‘peace and love’ was replaced with a much more ‘in-your-face’ youth culture, and like all youth cultures they wanted to make their own mark, which they did in their own inimitable way. The book works its way through the progression of the Scooterboy lifestyle from its early beginnings to modern-day and, being written by someone who has been part of the Scooterboy cult since its original inception (and is still in that scene today), it’s a tale that comes from the
BOOK REVIEW
heart of someone who still has the same passion for the Scooterboy scene as he had back in the mid-1970s. The storyline is written in an edgy style that only a Scooterboy will fully relate to and embrace it as his chosen lifestyle. If you were part of that culture, embrace the Scooterboy lifestyle as it is today, or are even just interested in the social history aspect, then this latest book on the subject
will be worth its £16.95 cover price. More info/availability: www.carpetbombingculture.co.uk
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