SPECIAL SURVIVOR
THE REVOLUTION ARRIVES
THE RESTORATION QUESTION?
1948 SALSBURY 85 STANDARD
100IOTHN
WIN
EDIT L PRIZE
& SPECIA GIVEAWAY
A ROCK OIL PACKAGE WORTH
’S R I O V E L Y U G
£ 75
AUGSBURG T4VESPA LAMBRETTA SX250
NICK PRINCE’S SCREAMING LONG-TAIL
THE TWO LIVES OF FRANCO
GIANFRANCO MONTALDI – VESPA’S ‘GUARDIAN ANGEL’
FRENCH PRODUCTION LAMBRETTAS
SCOOTER MANUFACTURE AT THE TROYES FACTORY
SCOOTERAMA! – A FELICITOUS FANFARE OF FACTS, FEEDBACK & FACES
Issue 100 – Dec 2014/Jan 2015 Founding editor: Mau Spencer 01507 529408 mauspencer@classicscooterist.com Group production editor: Tim Hartley Publisher: Steve Rose Contributors: Rich Addison; Nick Booth; Nick Broomhall; Henry Byer; Franco Daudo; Dave Dry; Ashley Lenton; Peter McDowell; Carli A Smith; Phillip Tooth; Dave Walker; Steve Wright. 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: Charlotte Turnbull Reprographics: Simon Duncan Advertising team leader: Richard Sinclair rsinclair@mortons.co.uk Advertising: Etta Hargrave 01507 524004 ehargrave@mortons.co.uk Subscription manager: Paul Deacon Circulation manager: Steve O’Hara Marketing manager: Charlotte Park Production manager: Craig Lamb Publishing director: Dan Savage Commercial director: Nigel Hole Associate director: Malc Wheeler Editorial address: CLASSIC SCOOTERIST MAGAZINE PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ www.scooteristscene.com General queries and back issues: 01507 529529 (24hr answerphone) Archivist: Jane Skayman 01507 529423 jskayman@mortons.co.uk Next issue (101) published: January 21, 2015 Editorial deadline: December 1, 2014
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: COMAG Tavistock Road, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 7QE Subscription: Full subscription rates (but see page 14 for offer): (12 months 6 issues, inc post and packing) – UK £21.60. Export rates are also available – see page 14 for more details. UK subscriptions are zero-rated for the purposes of Value Added Tax. Printed by: William Gibbons & Sons, Wolverhampton © Mortons Media Group. All rights reserved. No part of this publication maybe reproduced without prior written permission.
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CONTENTS 4 6
Back when we had hair
Nostalgic memories from times gone by
Scooterama
A felicitous fanfare of facts, feedback and faces
16 “You’ve got mail”
Readers express their views, ask questions and show us their pictures
18 100 – and still going strong!
Classic Scooterist celebrates its 100th issue
23 Remembering 1966
Peter McDowell reflects on his past life
24 Rallies and events
Reports and pictures from rallies around the country
32 A long-tail Lambretta Nick Prince’s SX250
36 The two lives of Franco At 82 years old, Gianfranco Montaldi is still regarded as Vespa’s ‘guardian angel’
40 The Salsbury 85 Standard
The revolution is here!
42 Augsburg T4 Vespa
Despite little being known about the model, the T4 Vespa forms an interesting part of the scooter scene
46 Back in the day
The 1958 Isle of Man scooter weekend was an event to remember
48 French production Lambrettas
Only a few buildings remain at the Lambretta manufacturing plant in Troyes, France
54 The last Indian GP
Much is made of Innocenti Lambrettas, but the SIL version is often belittled
58 Modified funerals
It’s a grave business…
71 Close battles at Croft
The penultimate round of the BSSO 2014 championship
72 Cadwell finale
The BSSO race championship is finally decided at the Lincolnshire-based circuit
74 Taking it to the wire
Burning rubber pays off for the dks race team
76 Waterproof oversuits Our latest buying guide
82 Scooter clubs
Meet and greet your local club
86 Scooterist classifieds
For all your wants and needs
90 Oddballs
Strange and quirky – you’ll find it here
60 Smallframe fever
Ryan Leeks finds salvation in the form of a Vespa V90
62 Scooter memories
Nick Booth reflects on the late 60s and early 70s
66 Special survivor
A one owner Lambretta Li150 Special
ARE YOU A SUBSCRIBER? Fill in the coupon on page 14 and take advantage of our money-saving offers
Another milestone reached Sometimes things creep up on you without warning. It was only when I was putting together the 100th edition of my other magazine, Twist & Go, that I suddenly realised the same anniversary was imminent for Classic Scooterist. We’ve come a long way since I started up the magazine in the back bedroom of my house down in Kent all those years ago. There have been a few ups and downs along the way, as well as many major changes (personal as well as business ones). But we
have survived and thrived in the midst of everything that has been thrown at us. So here’s to the next 100 issues – although it’s extremely unlikely that I will still be around for that event. Someone who may still be around though, is our new sales advisor, Etta. Well, I say new, she took over working on Classic Scooterist at the tail end of our last issue, so most dealers reading this will have spoken to her already. She has transferred to scooters from old vintage tractors (and if you think scooterists
can be ‘anorak’ you’ve obviously never spoken to a tractor enthusiast)! OUT WITH THE OLD – IN WITH THE NEW No, we’re not still talking about me and Etta; it’s that time of year when we have to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone here at Classic Scooterist. I hope you all get what you wish for this Christmas (my personal wish list has a one owner, original condition SX200 at the top – but I’m not holding my breath)… MAUSPENCER@CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
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A M A R E T O SCO
CK & FACES A FELICITOUS FANFARE OF FACTS, FEEDBA Classic Scooterist, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ
Latest NZI helmet
mauspencer@classicscooterist.com
01507 529408
Half a century forAlan Alan back in the day
The NZI Fibrup helmet features an inbuilt ‘One Push’ sun visor for those brighter days. In addition, controls for NZI’s optional Bluetooth modules come preinstalled for future upgrades. It is available in a full range of sizes in black or white colours; an optional smoked visor is also available. Info: www.ve-uk.com
Unique Flexride policy Most insurers provide just basic third party cover when riding someone else’s bike, and most owners are unhappy to leave their pride and joy at the mercy of another rider without accidental damage cover. To make borrowing bikes simpler and eradicate insurance headaches, Bikesure has developed its comprehensive Flexride policy add-on, claimed to be unique in the insurance marketplace. The Flexride policy allows riders able to take to the road at short notice, ideal for use in emergencies, test drives or biking daytrips. Policy holders are given insurance against accidental damage, fire and theft, offering more protection than third party only, and up to £5000 cover for loss or damage to the bike. Info: www.bikesure.co.uk / 0800 368 8580.
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Alan in 2014
Alan Gomme from Medway Scooters is about to celebrate a hat-trick of 50th anniversaries. Not only has he spent half a century in the scooter trade, but also, 50 years as a married man and to top this all off, has been
the proud owner of a Vespa SS180 over that period of time – a unique claim to fame! To commemorate these events in style, Alan is inviting all owners of the legendary SS to a meet at the historic Chatham Dockyard, North
Aqua 15C commuter bag RRP: £49.99 Reviewer: Mau Oxford Products has recently introduced a waterproof 15-lite commuter bag to its motorcycle Aqua range and as I had a 500mile-plus round trip coming up, what better way to try it out. This all-weather bag has electro welded seams and is made from tear-resistant tarpaulin. The roll top opening folds over to give maximum protection from the elements – just as well because the bag would be carrying my laptop and iPad, and I wanted them to stay dry. The bag strapped easily to my luggage rack, with the reflective inserts showing to the rear of my bike – thus providing a much higher visibility level. It also came with a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap, so that whenever I needed to
Kent in spring 2015. The date will be fixed later, but Alan feels that this early announcement will give the SS boys more time to fettle their trusty steeds and promote good attendance on the day. Congratulations, Alan!
PRODUCT REVIEW
remove it from my bike, I had the means to carry it around with me. My outward journey was a pretty normal affair with a mix of cloud and sunshine; however, the return journey was something else. I don’t think I’ve ever ridden through such a deluge of rain as I encountered that day on the M3. It was one of the scariest rides I’ve ever been on and I probably wouldn’t have undertaken it if I hadn’t already committed myself to the journey home. I needn’t have concerned myself though, as the bag did exactly what it said on the tin (well, labels actually) and kept my precious gadgets dry. Thumbs-up to OxProds for another good product! Info: www.oxprod.com / 01993 862300
Classic Scooterist, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ mauspencer@classicscooterist.com 01507 529408
Whitfield Wanderers’ wedding
Bradley Hall (standing) and Scott Rance (seated on Bradley’s Vespa 66 Sprint) talk to Paul Atterbury while other New Original members look on
John and April Anderson
Scooter stolen,but Scott still makes roadshow New Originals member, Scott Rance, had his 1960 Li Lambretta stolen from outside his house in east London, just two days before he was due to appear on the BBC Antiques Road Show which was being held at Walthamstow Town Hall. Despite this, Scott and fellow club member, Bradley Hall still managed to make an appearance on the show and were interviewed by antiques specialist, Paul Atterbury.
York Inset cheque presentation
John Henderson receiving the cheque on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Society
Celebrating their recent wedding are John and April Anderson. The wedding took place on August 6, 2014 at St Georges Church, Deal in Kent. Other Whitfield Wanderers members were in attendance, including John’s parents, Malcolm and Tricia Anderson.
GS160/SS180 BGM damper
If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Scott’s scooter, please contact your local police station or let us know and we will pass the information on.
On Tuesday, September 23, 2014, York Inset SC and ‘Bike in a shed’ presented a cheque for £450 to John Henderson of the Alzheimer’s Society at Bar 1331, Grape Lane, York. Preceding this in August, was a display of scooters and motorcycles in the city centre which was facilitated by the City of York Council.
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York Inset members have raised over £5000 for charities in the last eight years and were delighted to assist the Alzheimer’s Society who do so much good work and provide support for those in need. Nick Beilby York Inset
This is the first high performance front damper specially designed for the Vespa GS160 and SS180. It is not simply a Vespa 50 damper made to fit into the 1960s Vespa flagship models. These shockers are completely adjustable with compression dampening separately adjustable by 16 stages. The spring preload is also adjustable. Depending on the prevailing exchange rate, they will cost slightly over £200. Info: www.scootercenter.com
York Inset members attending the presentation
MAUSPENCER@CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
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SCOOTERAMA! Nutty NYE Celebrate the new year in style with the New Untouchables at their Nutty New Year Ball at The Venue (229 Great Portland St, London W1W 5PN), the home of Le Beat Bespoke and Crossfire. The Beatroots will conduct midnight mass celebrations in the Beat Room. There will be a killer DJ line-up across three rooms with Northern Soul in the ballroom, authentic Mod club sounds in room 2, and Underground sounds in the Beat Basement. Doors open at 9pm and the party carries on until 6am; so why not take advantage of the free transport on London’s bus, tube and trains on New Year’s Eve. Tickets can be obtained from the 229 box office and cost £17.50 (inc booking fee) in advance, or £22 on the door.
A Dizzy Dazzler GP
The first two period pictures show ‘Dazzle’ with the panels both on and off, at the height of its glory Paul Hissey (aka Dizzy) from Sidcup is a man on a mission. Not only does he already have a fantastic collection of scooters, but he has now embarked on a long-term project to restore a well-known custom scooter from the past. The Lambretta GP, ‘Dazzle’ was wowing scooterists all over the UK, back in the day. But as quite often happens in these situations, that love and attention disappears as
the scooter passes on from owner to owner. Dizzy was lucky enough to spot what was left of ‘Dazzle’ when it came up for sale – and he just had to have it. But purchasing the scooter was just the start of his quest; his next mission was to track down as many of the scooter’s original parts as he could – not an easy job as they were scattered all over the country. He has managed to do a
good job of finding those bits up to now, but it hasn’t come cheap; he’s also shied away from a few bits due to the current owners asking “silly money”. Paul has now got under way with his plans to restore ‘Dazzle’ to its former glory, and once he’s done that he promises us we can do a full feature on it in Classic Scooterist – we can’t wait, so here’s a taster of things to come...
Smallframe gear selectors Many tuned smallframed Vespa owners will have had problems with their gears. VE (UK) has introduced a new reinforced gear selector for both the early and late four-speed transmission smallframes. The gear selectors are suitable for fast road, sprint, and race use. They are supplied with an uprated selector spring and new selector ball. Models covered are as follows: early model 50.8mm – 50SS, 90SS, 50 Special, 90, 90 Racer, 100, ET3, and Primavera; late model 50.2mm: VE11080-R. Info: www.ve-uk.com Early 4 speed small frame
Late 4 speed small frame
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As recently purchased, with the frame and front mudguard being the only clue as to the scooter’s origins
ON THE ROAD, PAST THE GATE
Memories and Travels of a Small Town Boy Author: Andrew Gamwell ISBN: 978-1-2991-98508-5 Price: variable Availability: www.ontheroadpastthegate.co.uk Reviewer: Dave Walker There are many excellent books on the subject of Mod. However, it is with some authority I can state that Andrew Gamwell’s book is not about Mod – but probably more a book about a Mod. The storyline follows the writer’s life from an early age, through his experiences of the ‘Mod revival’ of 79 and his continuing love for music, clothes and scooters as well as his
travels far and wide. What I enjoyed most about this book are the childhood memories and stories that many of us can relate to. The chapters on the ‘Mod Revival’ follow the same process – retelling stories that many of us experienced ourselves, especially those about buying and selling cars, the yearning for a scooter when other family things take priority, and of repairing and customising scooters. To coin a phrase from the Mod Revival, there’s obviously ‘Millions Like Us’! A thoroughly entertaining read with some interesting thoughts and insights into the author’s journey through life.
BOOK REVIEW
Classic Scooterist, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ mauspencer@classicscooterist.com 01507 529408
JB Fabrication
Handy pocket-sized ratchet screwdriver
Jon Betts has a long history of restoring vintage vehicles, so when he decided to produce tools for Lambretta enthusiasts, it mainly came about from his personal experiences. Moving a Lambretta frame after you’ve removed the engine is testing on your own, as is lifting an engine casing over to work on the opposite side, so producing a workbench mounted stand that rotates 360 degrees was needed. First Jon designed smaller workshop tools that fit in the toolbox, a stand for rear wheel removal, plus a hub-holding tool to avoid using the rear brake when removing the wheel nut. He also makes high end billeted alloy items like gear swivel, gear tie bar and the cable adjuster block. His products are light and look amazing. He’s also tried to price them sensibly for those on a restricted budget. Products like a rear wheel laser-cut hub washer with holes placed in alternate positions help massively once fitted and Jon can produce other laser-cut items on short runs. Now he’s produced his own workshop tools, and he’s now started restoring scooters in conjunction with his pal, Col Frost. JB Fabrication 07810 652929 www.JB-FAB.com www.facebook.com/JBFabrication
This pocket-sized ratchet screwdriver from Kamasa (part no: 56085) is suitable for a multitude of uses. Stored in the handle are five 1.4in bits: Ph1, Ph2 and Ph3; flat 5mm and 7mm; plus six 4mm precision bits: Ph00, Ph0, Star T8 and T9, and flat 2.5mm and 3mm. The screwdriver is available now at a typical price of £7.88 plus VAT but remember to check your local Kamasa supplier for special offers. Info: www.kamasa.co.uk
New Vespa T5 to PX exhaust adaptor This new T5 to PX exhaust adaptor could easily be the perfect solution for T5 owners wanting to fit a PX 125 exhaust that isn’t available for their machine. Fitting is relatively simple and strtaightforward; all you need to do is to remove the old exhaust system, bolt on the plate and adaptor, then fit your exhaust of choice. The adaptor kit is manufactured in stainless steel and is supplied with new exhaust nuts. Info: www.ve-uk.com
Flog it? – I bought it! Appearing on TV was the last thing on Stephen Smith’s mind when he found the Lambretta of his dreams while browsing an online auction site. Back in 1970, aged 16, Stephen owned a Lambretta TV20, but yearned to be the proud owner of a Lambretta once more, after turning 60 recently. He searched up and down the country, but nothing caught his eye until he spotted a stunning blue and white Lambretta Li 125 Special totally restored and imported from Italy in 2012. Little did Stephen know then that the scooter had been part of a lot auctioned on Channel 5 TV programme ‘Storage – flog the lot’. Taking part in the series was Chris Hamilton from Rutland who bought a lorry full of retro 1960s items, of which the Lambretta was the centre-piece among vintage clothes and other items from the era. Stephen, from East Hull, purchased this Lambretta via the
internet auction. It had been restored to near original specifications as it came off the production line back in 1965, with its 6v electrics and a battery. The scooter has been resprayed to a high standard and starts first time. Stephen said: “It’s just what I was looking for; I’ve heard a few scary stories about people buying scooters from Asia, so I really wanted an Italian one. This Special was imported in 2012 and ticked all the right boxes for me.” Part of the deal when Stephen bought the scooter from Chris Hamilton, was that he would appear on the programme, receiving the scooter. Chris had paid £3000 for the whole lorry load in the TV auction and sold the scooter on for £3995. Other items sold, including a parka, child’s Vespa and other vintage clothing, etc., making Chris a tidy profit against the other bidders taking part in the Channel 5 programme.
Now Stephen has his dream Lambretta, he plans to take it out regularly on rideouts and also travel to a few parts fairs to add to the accessories already on the scooter. Asked what he was looking for, Stephen said: “I’ve just fitted the screen and will be looking for a few more mirrors; it’s not to the wife’s liking, but I love all that stuff and it takes me back to when I was young.” MAUSPENCER@CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
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SCOOTERAMA! Poster stocking filler With Christmas around the corner, this set of four posters might make the perfect gift. The pictures were taken in 1996, so some of you may recognise them – they also appeared on the TV series The Bill placed on the walls of a cafe where scooterists met. The posters are printed on 120 gram uncoated paper, so are matt in appearance. They each measure 42cm wide x 59.5cm high (in old money that’s 16.5in wide x 23.5in high) and have been hand-framed by Steve Bell. The posters are priced at £45 for the full set, which includes UK postage and packing. For the rest of the EU the price is €37 (inc p&p). Inclusive price to the USA is $70. Individual price quotes are available for the rest of the world. All will be despatched in a cardboard tube. The posters can be ordered from the following link: http://ebay.eu/1pAMu0h Email stephenbell@msn.com for more information.
It’s all Sugar and Spice for Scotty
The Searchers playing at the Embassy Theatre, Skegness Clive ‘Scotty’ Scott from Skegness has been a Mod since he was 12 years old and spent his days hanging out and working in Carnaby Street (a true London Mod). His parents were 1960s Mods and his mum actually danced on the TV programme, Ready Steady Go. Clive was only 14 when he bought his first scooter (a blue 50 Special). He is now a member of Generations SC, Horncastle, Lincs. Fast forward in time to 2014 and Scotty decided he wanted to do his scooter up in a different way to others and came up with the idea of dedicating it to his favourite band, The Searchers. Part of his quest led to him contacting Wendy Burton, who runs the Searchers. The band were so impressed with Scotty’s bike they asked if it could be displayed in the foyer at the Embassy Theatre, Skegness when they played there on August 23, 2014, and the theatre manager agreed it could be done. On the day of the show, Scotty, assisted by his nephew, Nathan Flynn, could be found in the Embassy Theatre foyer polishing the scooter. Scotty received a text message saying that The Searchers wanted to meet him there to sign the scooter. And at 5.15pm Scotty could be found in the foyer, dressed for the occasion in a boating blazer, button-down shirt, tie, Sta Prest trousers and Lake loafers. The Searchers arrived and signed the scooter; “The guys were
fantastic and signed things for me and my family,” said Scotty. “The pictures I’ve sent you were taken alongside others to go on The Searchers website. The Searchers eventually took to the stage and their gig was great; afterwards, a table was placed next to my scooter and The Searchers signed pictures for fans while my scooter got a lot of attention and comments. Band member, Scott Ottaway tweeted me after and we still chat to each other – I’m looking forward to seeing them again. I must say thanks to my parents and also The Searchers for my inspiration; not forgetting the guys at Web Publicity & Signs of Skegness for artwork; and last, but not least, my fiancée Nettie for her patience and understanding!” (Ed’s note: If you want to see Frank Allen’s full message it can be found at website www.the-searchers.co.uk along with other information about the group which has maintained their position in the music industry for well over 45 years. They are considered by many to be second only to the Beatles as Liverpool’s finest 60s group).
Above: Scotty with The Searchers – Gary Jackson, Frank Allen, Spencer James, and Scott Ottaway
THE SEARCHERS TOP 50 CHART POSITIONS
Sweets For My Sweet/It’s All Been A Dream 1 Sugar And Spice/Saints and Searchers 2 Sweet Nothings/What’d I Say 48 Needles And Pins/Saturday Night Out 1 Don’t Throw Your Love Away/I Pretend I’m With You 1 Someday We’re Gonna Love Again/No one Else Could Love Me 11 When You Walk In The Room/I’ll Be Missing You 3 What Have They Done To The Rain/This Feeling Inside 13 Goodbye My Love/’Till I Met You 4 He’s Got No Love/So Far Away 12 When I Get Home/I’m Never Coming Back 35 Take Me For What I’m Worth/Too Many Miles 20 Take It Or Leave It/Don’t Hide It Away 31 Have You Ever Loved Somebody/It’s Just The Way 48
Scooter lifestyle now available as an ebook Ian ‘Iggy’ Grainger’s best-selling ‘Scooter lifestyle’ book is now available as an ebook. As in the printed version, the book covers all aspects of the scooter lifestyle including nostalgia, interviews, the rallies, comradeship, racing and custom scooters – all illustrated with over 300 images. It is available in both full colour and mono versions in formats suitable for iPads, iPhones, iPod Touch, Kindle, tablets, smartphones, computers and many other formats. Info: www.veloce.co.uk
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Classic Scooterist, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ mauspencer@classicscooterist.com 01507 529408
SAWDUST CAESARS Original ModVoices Author: Tony Beesley ISBN: 978-095657-274-5 Price: £19.99 (hardback version) Reviewer: Mau One of the things about recording any form of history is that it should always be considered as being subjective – take two (or three) people who have experienced the same event and you’ll get three different interpretations. This 450page book by Tony Beesley takes this one step further and records in detail, the personal experiences of a variety of individuals who at some point in their lives, have embraced the Mod culture. To (almost) quote the author’s own words, the book’s information comes in a straight-talking razor sharp style told by individuals on their own terms and supplemented with 100s of rare images from across the years. What this translates to is a rich record of what life was like for Mods from different periods of time and locations – and for that alone, this book is certainly well worth a read.
BOOK REVIEW If you (like myself) have experienced the Mod culture in the distant past, then this book will ignite all those nostalgic memories; if you haven’t, then this book will tell you what you’ve missed. What is slightly unusual is that all copies of the book are signed by the author, which adds to that touch of individuality. Copies are available via the author’s website at www.tonybeesleymodworld.co.uk
CHARACTERS FROM THE BOOK:
Dave Middleton
Derek Glover
Mandy Plum
Maurice Moore
MAUSPENCER@ClASSiCSCootERiSt.CoM
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SCOOTERAMA! No March of the Mods for AON The AONSC has confirmed it will not be doing March of the Mods in 2015. It will however, be organising its pre-VMSC do on March 28, 2015, and will be supporting other events taking place in the same month.
Better negotiating skills It would seem that we may have confused a few people with our Isle of Wight scooter rally report in the previous issue, which could perhaps, have been worded better. So we’d just like to make it clear that the figure given was a reflection of what was quoted to put on a three day bank holiday weekend event. It was not the figure that the VFM had previously negotiated for the same premises – obviously they would have better negotiating powers for a long-standing regular event over the previous years (after all, that’s what the VFM tries to offer – value for money).
Secret Affair It will be a night to remember when Secret Affair perform at the Drill Hall in Free School Lane, Lincoln LN2 1EY, on Friday, November 21. Supported The Lambrettas, this is part of the Glory Boys 25th anniversary tour. Tickets (£16) are available via the box office (01522 873894) or online at www.lincolndrillhall.com
Pinasco cranks Pinasco crankshafts are manufactured from a forged steel which has been CNC machined and heat treated. The con rod fitted has been designed for reliability, even under the heaviest loads. The crankshafts are available to fit the following Vespa models: 150 GL, VBB, Sportique, 125 GTR, 150 Sprint, and 150 Super. Info: www.ve-uk.com
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BigAl’s vintageVespa Private chef Al Anderson is a New Zealander currently living on the French Riviera, but soon to be moving up to Aberdeen. Going with him is (as he describes it), “a piece of freight with 60 coats paintwork”. But when Al says “piece of freight” what he actually means is his 1962 Vespa which is metal flaked in candy apple, pearl, lace, and hand pinstriped. The scooter has already featured in 12 hot rod custom magazines in New Zealand, Australia and the USA – but not recently. It has also been displayed in a cigar shop and a clothing store, appeared in NZ’s largest Christmas parade and a music video, and made an appearance at NZ’s largest hot rod show in the ‘Best of the Best – invitation only’ area. For a short period, it was also displayed at a motorbike cafe encased in an 8ft by 14ft coffee table where customers could eat and read their newspapers with the Vespa in the middle, but unreachable or untouchable. In fact, Al has stopped using it on rallies, as it is now considered as being too rare and valuable. So how did he come by it in the first place? “Two very good long-standing friends of mine are old-school hot rodders,” says Al. “Among the cool and powerful freight they own, they have a 1927 Ford T bucket roadster and a 1923 T altered Ford drag racing car with a supercharged flathead and a parachute.
“I used to help as a gofer (go fer this, go fer that) on their drag team. I bought it from one of them in bad shape, stone chipped and not running. Then with all my contacts I had it restored to showroom (even museum) condition (it was once displayed in an automobile museum).” What about the restoration? “It was restored by the president of the NZ classic scooter club (also a famous drag racing hot-rodder). All paint finishes are House of Kolor and it was sprayed by NZ’s top hotrod guy. Underneath is also painted and the carb cover is copper and the front suspension spring is chrome but the rear is copper. I painted the tank surrounds in a tangerine candy with pearl as the
centre of tank is a rainbow pearl and lace, but a different stencil to the body. “The rear pods are copper coated underneath and the engine is jet black; I also painted the helmet. The engine is basically a 1962 Vespa, 8.9hp, four-speed, but it’s been port and polished – and it rolls on aviation fuel (100 plus octane)! “I’ve had the bike a good 16 or so years now and over time it has had three full custom paint jobs – the last theme was pearl purple and flamed with whitewalls, white leather seat and grips. The pearl paint was actually genuine grounddown fish scales (as they did in the old days before fancy pearl paints were available).”
Classic Scooterist, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ mauspencer@classicscooterist.com 01507 529408
You knew what it was!
2015 Events BSRA NATIONAL RALLIES
April 3-6 (Easter): Scarborough May 1-4 (May Day): Weston-super-Mare May 22-25 (Spring Bank Holiday): Kelso (Scottish National) July 3-4: Cleethorpes July 10-12: LCGB Lincoln Rally July 24-26: Llandudno (Welsh National) Aug 28-31: IoW International Rally Sept 4-5: Mersea Island Sept 25-28: Woolacombe Oct 30-31: Bridlington When we published the picture in the last issue, we said that only a supreme anorak would know what it was – trouble is that we didn’t realise just how many anoraks there were out there... It was actually an electric starter motor from a French Lambretta LD (you can find out more about French LDs on page 48 of this issue). We promised a free magazine subscription to the first person
And on the subject of winners… There are some other people we need to thank and congratulate: The winner of the Carnaby Helmet Competition was Alisa Moore (Liverpool). Thanks to Carnaby Designs (www.carnabydesigns.co.uk) for supplying the helmet. We also had three copies of the new Skinheads book to give away, and the winners of those were as follows: Jo McPherson (Crawley), Hayley Wynn (York), and Stan Carroll (Eastleigh). Thanks to Omnibus Press (www.omnibuspress.com) for supplying the Skinheads books.
who contacted us with the correct answer; and they couldn’t have been much quicker than subscriber John Herbert who succeeded in telling us what it was before we had even seen a printed copy of the magazine. John, your free subscription is winging its way to Westbury-on-Trym (that’s Bristol for those who don’t know) as we speak. Congratulations.
A Christmas tale Over the years, many of you may have come across scooterist Ian Burrett riding his quirky ‘Dragon Lambretta’. Well, with Christmas approaching and with youngsters in mind, Ian has turned his hand to writing a children’s Christmas tale. Santa and the Dragon Deer is a heart-warming tale about believing in Christmas and is well worth a read. It’s the ideal stocking filler for your children (or even your grandchildren). Priced at £7.99, the book is available via santa.dragondeer @hotmail.com or by ringing Ian direct on 07828 028759.
PX cylinder replacement This PX 150 cast iron cylinder is supplied complete with piston, rings, gudgeon pin, and circlips. It is also suitable for fitment to the 125cc PX 125 scooters as a cost effective upgrade. Info: www.ve-uk.com
OTHER SIGNIFICANT RALLIES
March 14: VFM Pre-season, Morecambe April 17-18: LCGB Coast to Coast May 8-9: Phoenix Nights, Leicester May: 29-31: SWSC, Hayling Island June 26-28: YSA Invasion, Driffield July 17: VCB, Kendall Aug (TBC): LCGB Rally Aug 8: Strictly Scooters, Midlands area Aug 16: EMSA, Beat The Bikers, Matlock Sept 18-20: YSA Dolphin Rally, Filey Oct (TBC): VCB, Ireland Nov (TBC): VFM, Mablethorpe Nov 20-23: SWSC, Warmwell
BSSO SPORT EVENTS
April 11-12: Mallory Park May 15: Anglesey (Classic Track Day) May 16-17: Anglesey June 19: Croft (Classic Track Day) June 20-21: Croft July 18-19: Lydden Hill Aug 15-16: Darley Moor Sept 25: Cadwell (Classic Track Day) Sept 26-27: Cadwell
2014 DIARY DATES
NOV 21: Secret Affair with special guest The Lambrettas play Lincoln Drill Hall LN2 1EY. Tickets £16 from box office (01522 873894) or www.lincolndrillhall.com NOV 21-24: SWSC, Warmwell NOV 23: Walsall Parts Fair at Oak Park Leisure Centre, Walsall Wood, Walsall WS9 9PQ. Dealer stalls from £35, Jumblers £25. Admission £4 (children free). Info: Kev Walsh at lcgb2@blueyonder.co.uk or phone 0151 289 8201 / 07966 265588. DEC 31: Nutty New Year Ball at 229 Great Portland St, London W1W 5PN. Tickets can be obtained from the 229 box office and cost £17.50 (inc booking fee) in advance, or £22 on the door.
2015 EVENTS
FEB 1: Soul on the Sea (scootering sounds of the suburbs). 8pm-2am on Bournemouth Pier. Soul Room: Emma Cox & Chilli plus resident DJ Steve Lyons. Reggae Room: Terry Hendrick & 8-Ball Paul. FEB 14: AONSC 30th Anniversary Celebrations (www.facebook.com/events /1491685124419877/). AON’s big scooter club celebration with Angelo Starr and the team performing. Tickets will be £12.50 or £10 in advance – on sale from November 8, 2014. Info: www.aonsc.co.uk MARCH 28: AONSC Pre VMSC Show Do – details being firmed up at the moment; more news soon. Info: www.aonsc.co.uk JULY 19 – SundayBest ScooterFest 5 organised by Foresters SC (details TBC).
Some of these events are subject to confirmation – please check with organisers before booking accommodation or travelling MAUSPENCER@CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
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ANNIVERSARY SPOTLIGHT
Celebrating a special milestone
It seems like an age since our first edition – 19 years in fact – but here we are on our 100th issue. Mau turns back the clock to tell us how it all came about…
I
suppose you could say the Classic Scooterist is the magazine that was never meant be; it never started out to achieve the success it has today; and it never even intended to be anything more than a scooter club ‘fanzine’. But despite all of that, just look at how far it has come.
SO HOW DID IT ALL START?
The very first issue in A5 format
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WWW.CLASSICSCOOTERIST.COM
In the 1960s, I was secretary of Dover Saints SC, but eventually I did what most others had done – got married and moved on. It wasn’t until the mid-90s when my family had grown up, that I was drawn back to scooters. I had the idea of resurrecting the old Dover Saints SC. What was really needed was a way to attract new club members – and what better way to do it than in a club newsletter – thus South East Scooter Scene was born. Early issues were bubble-jet printed, then folded into an A5 fanzine for existing ‘Saints’ scooter club members – plus a few extra copies
to leave with local Kent scooter dealers in the hope of attracting more club members. What actually happened was that there was an immediate response from those seeking an alternative point of view to the then current scooter press. In order to cater for this, a small ‘subscription’ fee was introduced. Local scooter traders also saw advertising potential with the result that Medway Scooters became the first advertiser in SESS, followed by others in quick succession.
A NEW BEGINNING
The rapid expansion didn’t go unnoticed in certain quarters and by issue five, we’d attracted attention. In issue six, a letter was published alleging that we were in breach of copyright over our title. After discussions with a solicitor (actually, a fellow club member who was a lawyer) it was concluded that we weren’t infringing copyright (due to the words ‘South East’ being part of the title), but a subtle