No.82

Spring 2020 EDITORIAL

Happy New Year everyone! Not only a new year but a new decade and 2020 is also a leap year, to borrow tradition from the Emerald Isle, perhaps some proposals of marriage from the fairer sex within the club this year on February 29th?!

Early January and my thoughts are already This issue has some excellent member returning to riding for the coming year contributions, bringing an international flavour, brought on by the balmy January weather we with stories from New Zealand, Netherlands, are having here in the UK, with temperatures , South East Asia and the United States, as in the low teens! Global warming is never far well as the UK. I’ve been busy paying a few visits from the headlines these days; Australia’s record to VVC collector, Darren Bradbury, uncovering heat and bushfires occupying the front pages of and photographing the treasures in his very own late; the topsy turvy weather and indeterminate Aladdin’s Vespa cave, look out for Darren’s blue seasons are increasingly becoming the norm, Rod Model further inside, with more to come worryingly. I wrote an article for the News Page in upcoming issues. Many thanks to all of this on the VVC website, published September edition’s contributors! These are the lifeblood 2019, titled ‘Electric Dreams’ all about of the JOURNAL, keeping us all interested based Retrospective Scooters’ electric motor and wanting more, so please do pick up your conversions for classic scooters, look it up if you pen or start typing and send me anything you haven’t already, it makes for interesting reading. can, along with photos of what you’re up to This option may now be more seriously under with your , whether trips, rallies, or show consideration and possibly sooner than we us your ride. I’m always up for a visit and am think.. Making the most of riding our Vespas happy to come to you with my camera, and while we still can, there are three scheduled Vespa of course, as I did with Roy Puttock’s VVC events for 2020, Torbay in Devon, Rod (Issue No.77), plus Ken Morris’ GS150 Wakefield in Yorkshire and Cherbourg in and Pete Butcher’s Rally 180 (Issue No.80), let me know? My email is shown at the foot of this Northern France. At the time of writing both page, thank you in advance! Torbay and Cherbourg are fully booked, leaving just Wakefield, so get in quick, club Chairman Do make sure your Vespas are fully fit and Roger Smith is accepting bookings on behalf roadworthy come spring; particularly if they of organizer Chris Wainwright (fittingly this have been laid up over the winter months. Many issue’s front cover shows a photo I took 10 of the older machines no longer require an years ago at the first VVC Wakefield event MOT but a good service and thorough once over in 2010). There are also plans for a Veteran is advisable, prior to the riding season getting Vespa Club stand at the ‘Vintage and Custom underway. Speaking of which, if you require Extravaganza’, put on by the VMSC original, NOS or hard to find parts for your (Vintage Motor Scooter Club). This will be held Vespa, be sure to visit Maskes Vespa Klassiekers’ on Sunday April 5th at the Sports Connexion webshop and apply the discount code they have Centre, Ryton on Dunsmore, Coventry CV8 kindly extended to VVC members, voucher 3FL, doors open at 10am, come along and say displayed on page 35 of this issue. hello to our Chairman and Club shop manager, Ride safe. Ciao — Paul I might even put in an appearance myself! [email protected]

3 2 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT VVC EVENTS 2020 Full details and booking www.veteranvespaclub.com SPRING 2020

Dear Members Just as busy are Bob & Joan Toohey who are getting I wish I could report on all the riding I have to grips with all aspects of the treasury function. been doing but truth be told there hasn’t been Doesn’t sound much for a modest club the size of any of late. Plenty of activity in the garage the VVC, but believe me it’s not just looking after however, particularly on the Rally 200, in the bank accounts. Keeping good records and anticipation of riding to Portugal for the 2020 procedures is just the tip of the iceberg. Please Vespa World Days event. In that regard I have assist them in any way you are able. just today purchased a new waterproof onesie, Behind the scenes Messrs Luke & Sheila Kitto, could possibly be my shrewdest investment for Bob Box & Chris Wainwright have all been hard 2020, though I hope not!! grafting to make our 2020 VVC events successful. Since the AGM, Richard Vickery, our newly Again as before, those members wanting badges appointed shop manager, has been very active! but not able to attend these events will soon be A 2020 VVC calendar has been really popular. able to reserve badges through the shop, prior to Despite re-orders, stock sold out three times; placing our order with Deschler. there are now just a few remaining. Richard has Thanks to these guys and everyone else helping also organised a clothing outlet who will make to make VVC the club of choice. MAY 8 — 11 JULY 16 — 20 SEPTEMBER 3 — 7 and supply a variety of good quality garments in varying colours and sizes to order, with a choice May your pot holes be small ones! — Roger Torbay, Devon Wakefield, Yorkshire Cherbourg, France of embroidered VVC or badge motif, Moor to Sea Rally eliminating the need for the VVC to hold stock. Field event to be held Organisers Bob Box & Organisers Luke & Sheila at Sandal Rugby Club. Roger Smith. Bookings Just order via the VVC online shop as normal, Kitto. Bookings closed. Organiser Chris Wainwright. closed. or email Richard at shopvvc@hotmail with New password for members library area on Bookings being taken by your queries. website is GS160 Roger Smith.

4 5 THE VESPA UTILITARIA

The Veteran Vespa Club is a club for all those with an interest in vintage or classic, geared Vespas. Whether you own just one, many or even none at all, the club aims to be for everyone. Me, I just have the one but I’m always interested to come across a collection like the one belonging to US member, Patrick Albregts. I find it interesting how said collector got ‘bitten’ and whether they choose full restos, preservation/rusteration or maybe a combination of both and that’s before you 1953, was the introduction of an even more get into spare parts and accessories! Patrick affordable Vespa called the Utilitaria or simply last graced these pages in Issue No.80 with “U”. While scooters by nature were among his beautifully restored 1951 Allstate; this the most affordable forms of transportation, time around he writes about his ultra rare sensed a need for an even more 1953 Vespa Model U. I’d be very surprised cost efficient model and thus the “U” was if another exists within the VVC membership born. Priced at 130,000 Lira (about US$ 175 and am very grateful to Patrick for sharing or £136) the “U” was about 15% lower in with us all the details of his 125U… price than comparable 1953 Vespa models. To offer the scooter at a lower price, Piaggio “The end of WWII brought a need for massive aggressively cost reduced the “U”. While rebuilding in Europe and around the world. One the engine and frame were similar to those thing that was very sought after was affordable used on other 1950’s 125 models, there were transportation and in the late 1940’s, both numerous changes made to the “U”. Every Piaggio and addressed the need part of the scooter that could be painted was. with the introduction of motor scooters. While The handlebars, seat springs and even the both companies enjoyed success, Piaggio won Vespa leg shield badge were painted. In fact, the battle for style and looks with their iconic about the only chrome part on the scooter Vespa scooter. The Vespa 98 was followed by was the headlamp ring. The front mudguard the 125 and ultimately the GS, which is still and engine cover were cut away to remove considered one of the most beautiful scooters material from the scooter. The foot well had ever designed. In the midst of all of this, in only six track strips versus nine on most other Vespas and they were made of aluminum, with no rubber strips on them. The brake pedal, kickstart lever and stand also did not come with rubber covers. The storage cowl lid did not have a latch but rather a simple spring loaded door. In a first for Vespa, the headlamp was located on the handlebar and was the smallest ever used on a wide body Vespa. The saddle was also smaller and did not have a front spring, while the handlebar mechanism did not lock. All of these things succeeded in reducing the cost of the “U” and allowing Piaggio to sell it at a lower price. In the end though, nobody really cared. The modest

6 7 amount of additional money necessary to buy faithfully and exceptionally restored in Italy the better, original Vespa models caused most in 2018. The frame, engine and most other buyers to look past the “U”, which led to the significant parts and components are original model becoming a fabulous flop. The “U” and it is painted in the correct Max Meyer ended up a one year model, being produced 12986334 Solid Green. The serial number for only in 1953. Just 6,000 examples were my “U” is VU1T1659, making it the 659th “U” produced (serial numbers started at 1001 and to come off the production line. This number ended at 7001), making the “U” one of the suggests it was sold in Italy and likely lived rarest and ultimately most collectible Vespa its entire life there before being resurrected, scooters ever made. By comparison, Piaggio restored and delivered to its new home in built far more Vespa 98 scooters than it did America. Among my collection of early 1950’s “U” scooters. It is believed that only 2,000 handlebar Vespa’s, my “U” along with my of the original 6,000 scooters were sold. The 1951 Vespa Allstate are my most cherished. next 3,500 units which sat in inventory for Ironically, they could be twin sisters, looking almost two years were allegedly sold and sent very similar, all the way down to their solid to Iraq, where they were outfitted with front green paint. Of course, when I someday secure and rear racks and used by the postal service. that elusive Douglas handlebar Vespa, I’m sure It is not entirely clear what happened to the it will rival my “U” for my affection. So let me last 500 units. Today it is believed that no know if any of you out there ever have one for more than 200-300 “U”models still exist, most sale! — Happy riding!” of them in Italy. Those that do exist typically have a serial number earlier than 2,000. Patrick Albregts, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Unfortunately, I do not have much history on Many thanks to Patrick, no doubt we will be my “U”. As you can see by the pictures, it was hearing from him again in the near future.

8 9 10 years from the ending of production and as If you are unable to attend at Leamington Spa, at our 25th Anniversary Rally on 25th June 1988, Saturday 24th October 1964, let me have your views we had three sections - Classic Veteran, Veteran on this subject, please send a stamped addressed and Vintage which includes the later models and envelope. brings the total number eligible to 32. Make a note of the 2nd London – Brighton Veteran At the A.G.M. in 1969 a Committee was formed Vespa Rally – May 1966. with Frank continuing as Hon. Secretary, Mr Jet Whittle as Chairman and Mr. Mike Ellice-Clark as Yours sincerely Hon. Treasurer. Their first Committee Meeting F.G. Brooks Acting Sec. V.V.C.B. was held in 1969.

The Veteran Vespa Rally in April was an enjoyable (Letter sent to me, Mr Peter Burley, in 1964. The affair for all who attended. Held on a beautiful second London – Brighton Veteran Vespa Rally was spring Sunday, the Rally attracted nearly forty held on Sunday 18th July 1965 with 27 Machines.) entrants on Vespas all more than ten years old and many other Vespa Club members from all Entries for first run to Brighton on 5th April 1964. parts of Britain. Each competitor who completed the ride from Epsom Downs to Withdean Stadium A. Baldet from Northampton Vespa Rickshaw, at Brighton, received a rally badge as a token of R. Braddick from Cardiff Rod Type, N. Brecknall the event. A concours d’elegance with many of from Surrey Downs Model G, M. Britton Jones the machines in beautiful order, was won by the from Newport (Mon.) Rod Type, E. Brockway from 1954 Model G belonging to J. Ladkin of Leicester Bristol Rod Type, D. Bunting from Mid-Sussex VC, Bill Woodhouse of West Middlesex VC took GL2, P. Burley from Wanstead (Foresters) Rod second prize with his 1953 Rod Type complete with Type, R. Buxton from Nottingham GL2, Pamela windscreen wiper. Among the more unusual of the Cadet from Mid-Sussex Model G, Linda Carter No.7 – D.Bunting from Mid-Sussex, No.11 – Peter Burley and pillion Rita White from Wanstead (The Foresters). machines was the three-wheeled Vespa rickshaw from Mid-Sussex Rod Type, N. Chisholm from of 1952, driven by Andre Baldet of Northampton South Devon, R. Currie from Cheltenham Rod and a 98cc model, the oldest machine in the rally HISTORY OF THE VETERAN VESPA CLUB Type, B. Daniells from Hemel Hempsted Rod dating from 1949, well prepared and ridden by K. Type, M. Ellice Clark from Hoylake Rod Type, Trill of Nuneaton. The story of the Veteran Vespa Club begins in a Concours d’Elegance and Filth would take place. J. Frost from Isle of Wight Rod Type, P. Guppy 1959 when the Mid-Sussex Vespa Club began to The date fixed being 5th April, 1964. (A date Frank (Report by Rex Collier in The Scooter with Power from Farnborough Rod Type, K. Harris from organise their annual Sussex Scoot. This trial, part will never have cause to forget, as the night before; and Pedal. June 1964.) Bovey Tracey Rod Type, G. Harris from Bristol navigation, part regularity, attracted some 50 his son chose to make his first appearance into the Rod Type, J. Ladkin from Leicester Model G, R. Martin from Nottingham Rod Type, Miss A. Norris entrants in the beginning but by 1963 this number world.) The event was a great success, everyone Veteran Vespa Club of Britain from Mid-Sussex Rod Type, M. Murphy from had dwindled to a handful. Thus it came about present agreed that not only would a repetition A letter from F.G. Brookes, 2 Maple House, that the Mid-Sussex Vespa Club Committee were be a good idea but also the formation of a Veteran Bromley Road, Brighton, Sussex. Thames Valley GL2, J. Procter from Preston Rod seeking new ways and means of attracting more Vespa Club. The Rally was graced with the presence Type, P. Proudfoot from Chelmsford Rod Type, scooterists to their events. D. Pullom from Bristol GL2, P. Rae (should have of the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress who gave Dear Club-member, the event an added boost to the publicity, as they been Peter Rose) from Luton Rod Type, J. Rainbow It was at the beginning of November 1963 that rode around on the famous Vespa Rickshaw. Due to the enormous success of the Veteran Vespa from Bromley Rod Type, J. Richardson from one of their members, Mr. Frank Brookes made Rally London – Brighton, earlier this year, a number Bromley Model G Combination, M. Robinson from his annual visit to watch the arrival of the at The Inaugural Meeting of the Veteran Vespa Club of the “rallyists” expressed their desire for this Sittingbourne GL2, Valerie Simpson from Bristol the London to Brighton Veteran Run. From this was held after the Vespa Club of Britain AGM at event to become a permanent fixture in the V.C.B. 125cc Special, D. Smith from Harrow Model G, L. illustrious event was born in Frank’s mind, the idea th Leamington Spa Town Hall on 24 October 1964 at calendar. With that end in mind, and the amount Smith from Nottingham Rod Type, C. Stedman of a small rally comprising a run and gymkhana for 6.30pm – Room 21. Mr. Frank Brookes was elected of organisation that is involved in an event of this from Farnborough Rod Type, E. Stokes from the earliest Vespa models - the veteran Rod, G and Hon. Secretary (a position he has been proud “calibre”, I propose to form a Veteran Vespa Club Birmingham Rod Type, K. Trill from Nuneaton 98 GL2. The Mid-Sussex Club’s committee approved to hold until June 1995 and also President since of Britain ; to be a club consisting entirely of Rod, cc Italian, E. Withers from Birmingham Rod Type, wholeheartedly of this solution to their problem October 1994 to date), Mr. Dave Smith, Chairman, G and GL2 type Vespas. I am required by the rules W. Woodhouse from West Middlesex Rod Type. and set about scouring the Sussex countryside for and Mr. Mike Britton Jones as Hon. Treasurer. of the V.C.B. to have at least 12 persons who are in “old bangers.” By January 1964 they had recruited Eighteen members were enrolled. It was decided forming a club of such machines. Still active VVC members in bold type. five. Gradually they formed a skeleton plan. The that owners of Rod, G, GL2 and GS VS1 would be Spike Edwards was a Marshall. start of the Run from Tattenham Corner, Epsom eligible. Are you interested in becoming a member? If (where the London to Brighton Commemorative so will you be at the A.G.M.? Where I hope to Peter Burley. Motor Cycle Run began), the finish at Withdean Over the years an ever increasing number of inaugurate The “Veteran” club, meeting will be at Stadium, Brighton, where a Gymkhana event plus models have become eligible for inclusion after 6.30.p.m. – Room 21.

10 11 VVC AGM 2019 VVC CLUB SHOP

Just a short overview of the more social aspect of Town Hall. The Town Hall does in fact have a special the AGM as a full report will appear in the members significance for the club, as it was following the 1964 section on the club website. VCB AGM in Leamington Town Hall that the VVC held their inaugural meeting in Room 21. As always a most enjoyable and entertaining experience catching up with members. Those who wished were On Saturday morning Leslie Smith conducted able to stay at the very welcome and comfortable Angel a guided tour of the building for those wishing Hotel in Royal Leamington Spa at very advantageous to have a closer insight prior to the meeting in the rates, which had been kindly arranged by Mr. Leslie afternoon. Ladies not wishing to attend the meeting Smith with his special connections. Comfy rooms took advantage of the excellent and elegant shopping and tasty cuisine; how wonderful to find kippers and opportunities Leamington has to offer, perhaps some A selection of items for sale are VVC Douglas Zipped Hoodie / £25.00* haddock on the breakfast menu along with traditional Christmas shopping? The day was doubly auspicious pictured see club website for full details. VVC Cog Badge / £20.00 as it was also the 50th anniversary of the twinning of Full English. Whether this accounts for partaking www.veteranvespaclub.com Royal Leamington Spa with Sceaux in France. A civic members looking younger every year remains a [email protected] *VVC or Douglas embroidered badge can reception and concert took place in the Town Hall mystery, or do they have one of “those pictures” in be applied to various garments, which are presided over by the Mayor Cllr. W.L.Gifford. Citizens Items may be purchased via the club the attic? of Sceaux had come over from France headed by their website or VVC Facebook Page. avialable in a wide range of colours and sizes. In recent years the meeting itself has taken place on Mayor - Maire Adjointe de Sceaux, Madame Chantal VVC (UK) Ltd. 11 College Close, Brinklow, the hotel premises but due to some refurbishment Brault. Saturday evening was celebrated by the club Warwickshire CV23 0NT Please add £2.00 postage for first item & at the Angel, this year’s meeting took place in the with an excellent dinner at the Angel Hotel. A most 60p per item thereafter (90p postage for pin imposing late nineteenth century magnificence of the enjoyable weekend. — C.Spavento. badge). Cheques payable to VVC (UK) Ltd.

12 13 VESPA GL150 – M.I.S.A.

Last summer I visited club member Warren and are hollow. The back of these logos were Jopson to photograph the most recent addition filled with some sort of foam. So nowadays when to his garage, a M.I.S.A. GL150. This very you come across a scooter without holes in the leg straight, original paint example almost completes shield to hold the logo, it is likely that you have his collection of wideframe Vespas, covering stumbled upon a M.I.S.A model. the various territories - Piaggio (Italy), Douglas – The sticker that goes on the tank to tell the (UK), (Germany), Motovespa (Spain) mixture percentage has been written in French etc. Knowing Hilde Visser as I do, wife and instead of Italian. There are different colour business partner of Peter Maske, the duo behind stickers for different mixture percentages. Maskes Vespa Klassiekers in Rijen, Netherlands, – Some of the seat colours may differ from the I thought who better to ask to write a few words Italian colours. For instance, the GS160 Italian on this model – Hilde was very happy to oblige. model (first series) comes with a distinctive grey “To see where the GL150 comes from we need seat. The MISA model GS160 (first series) comes to go back to the early fifties. In the early 50’s with an original black seat cover. there was a high demand for scooters all over – The emblem on the back of the seats says Europe as a cheap but easy transport means. In DONZA. the Netherlands and Belgium, no different. Since – GS1- GS3 has a different rear light from the 1949 Vespa scooters where imported by Bevelux, Italian models. It shows an export model rear at the same time the Belgium government light with an orange break light. protected the Belgian industries with high import duties on complete vehicles produced outside of All these slight changes from the Italian model Belgium. This led to the decision, in 1955, to start has led to some really nice scooters which are still a new assembly line in Jette, near Brussels. This today still very popular under Vespa collectors way the demand for scooters could be met without in the Netherlands and Belgium. One of these paying large amounts of import fees. The factory models is the GL150 or the ‘Grand Luxe’ 150. in Jette went by the name M.I.S.A which stands Production of these scooters started in 1957 and for: Moto Industry S.A. Vespa, scooters have been ended in 1958. In these two years 15,610 scooters assembled here up until 1963/1964. M.I.S.A. was of this model had been made. The prefix for this an assembly factory where the vast amount of scooter type is VGL1T and numbers run from parts used came from Italy, supplemented with 1001-10842 in 1958 and from 10843 – 16610 parts from France. The scooters produced here in 1959. This GL150 is the equivalent of the were mainly sold to Belgium, the Netherlands and Italian VB1 or Douglas Clubman, with some Luxembourg but some have been seen in Austria extra changes. The body is exactly the same as and Sweden as well. from VB1 but the scooter is standard on 10-inch wheels. This is due to the lovely weather in the The models assembled by M.I.S.A are quite regions they were sold. Which meant a more similar to the Italian models, but some changes humid climate and for safety reasons 10-inch can be found. Some are scooter type specific, but wheels were the standard. The rims used for this some changes are valid for all M.I.S.A. models. model look a lot like GS rims but are slightly The most known and general changes are: different. Since these rims are model specific – From late 1956 the logos on the leg shield have nowadays, they are hard to find when missing. been glued on. These logos saying Vespa, Vespa The brakes are standard VB1 as is the engine. GL or Vespa GS were made from aluminium The gearbox though has been adapted so that it

14 15 find yourself in North West Holland, make it your mission to pay them a visit. Maskes also hold stock of many original, NOS and hard to find parts for vintage Vespas and they have generously given VVC members a discount voucher, valid from February till March 2020 – see page 35 for details. Erg bedankt/many thanks Hilde ; )

is able to work with these larger 10-inch wheels. – 1961. Which was then again followed up by The floor runners are the same as used on most the GLB, produced in 1961 and 1962 – a similar of the ACMAs. This means they do not have an scooter to the VBB on 10-inch wheels. Naturally end piece, but the ends are squished together all the general differences known on M.I.S.A. to hold the rubber in place. And to finish it off scooters applied to these models as well. All in the GL150 has some nice additional trims over all these scooters show a nice piece of history the side cowls which are specific to the GL150 concerning Vespa. Although there is very little of and therefore are quite rare. Colour wise, most the M.I.S.A history documented, through seeing of the GL150s we see nowadays have a metallic a lot of these models, much can be learned and blue colour as seen on these pictures. But also, brought back - a process still going on today….” turquoise and red ones are known. Unfortunately Words by Hilde Visser there is no official colour map or scheme of the www.maskesvespaklassiekers.nl M.I.S.A. models known, which means it is hard Photos (35mm film and digital) by Paul Hart to tell which colours have been used, an idea of that can only be reconstructed by the scooters Having been fortunate to visit a few classic scooter seen today. The GL150 was a regular hit in the workshops at home and abroad, Maskes is my Netherlands and Belgium. The larger wheels, favourite. It is housed in a beautiful old former mounted to drive safer through the wet weather in leather tannery, complete with brick chimney the Netherlands and Belgium, worked out really stack and is home to their workshop, carrying out well. So, the GL150 got a successor named the complete restorations and general maintenance. GLA. A new type of frame and engine, similar It also doubles as a showroom, come museum; to the VBA, but then again on 10-inch wheels - showing off their jaw dropping collection of also, a very successful scooter produced in 1959 vintage Vespas, many still in original paint. If you

16 17 ASIA SCOOTERING Signor Mozzino has spent a considerable amount is the only alcohol free scooter rally I have attended of time visiting Asia and is very well placed to give in 30 years of scootering. The rally saw riders from us a brief insight to scootering in this part of the scooter clubs, make the annual back world... breaking 14,000km round trip over a 6 day ride “One of the first things any Western Scooterist will through jungle heat and road leaping lizards to become aware of when immersing themselves into ensure national prestige by attending the event. the Asian scooter scene, is that it’s dominated by Sinagpore being the Monaco of Asia, with the Vespa 150 VBB. Only the privileged few own manicured roadsides, has its equally manicured the rare models like the GS150 and so forth. Saying ride outs seen in 2 by 2 formations with strict no that, enthusiasm for the scene is not to be shrugged overtaking policies within the club. A rule that was off by the limited options of ownership - far from nice to contest from time to time whilst riding with it. Clubs like SOG of Indonesia ( Scooter Owners them! Group) boast inter-country memberships of over 20,000. The scene is immense in scale. A last mention to Vietnam - a country where often misplaced news undoes the simple ingenuity of the Scooter rallies in the heart of Kuala Lumpur place; if we can’t find the original In Asia, we’ll city, in Malaysia see annual turn outs of 30,000 build our own! A warm welcome from the clubs Vespa owners swarming the city, displaying Club of Hanoi and Hoi An were most similar to a free flags, banners and tees in a uniformity akin to the spirited Vespa club found at home in the UK.” Olympic Games. Even the Mayor of KL cannot deny hosting the evening Gala dinner; such is the Signor Mozzino. scale of the event. A Eurovespa rally goer will Thanks to SM for the words and great pictures, appreciate the seemingly endless ride out convoys. some of which you may recognise from the Penang, Northern Malaysia rally event, a dry state, MOZZINO calendar a few years back.

18 19 20 21 THE REVIVAL a Sprint, so from there I started looking for one for sale. I found a Super for sale on eBay, it was local so I decided to go and take a look. It was white, it destinations around the country. After about 5 min- didn’t have a trapezoidal head light like the one in utes of I realised that I hadn’t gone through Lisbon but it was pretty. It had shiny crash bars it all those beatings for being a punk just to become even had a nice shiny collar under the handle bars. some kind of revivalist; no better than the plastic The light switch was red and the floor mat looked Teds that used to dish out those beatings. I ditched just like the one I had on my PX. I wasn’t sure about the , binned the patent leather loafers that the 8 inch wheels but that wasn’t important, it was a had been slowly crushing my feet and walked away. 1966 Vespa and that’s what I wanted. It had a frame I might have stopped pretending to like Herman’s number which corresponded with the year which Hermits and Merton but I hadn’t fallen out of confirmed it had been made in Italy. I was happy love with my . It got sprayed all kinds of that even if I had to spend a few quid sorting it out colours from green and orange and back to yellow the fact it was made in Pontedera was good enough again. I threw away the side panels, stuck on a big a guarantee for me. I got it home took it for a spin box exhaust and for my 19th birthday got a shiny the engine blew up a couple of miles into the jour- 3. 30mm Dell’Orto carb. It positively flew along, un- ney. I got home took the head off to check out the fortunately not for long and not fast enough for my It would be a gap of over 30 years before scoot- damage. There wasn’t much damage to the barrel liking. I took the barrel out to 225 and then seized ers came back into my life. I might have binned ‘60s or piston but the barrel stud threads were knack- it up big style. Theseize up happened in ‘83 on the but I kept an affection for ered and head refused tighten back down. There way back from Yarmouth. It was then that both the and of course remained a big fan of the Jam. My was some kind of glue on the flywheel and a coke scooter and I gave up; I didn’t know I had given up, poor son was indoctrinated with this music and for can wrapped around the exhaust manifold. That was it’s just that looking back I realised that’s what had a time got quite taken with the Mod scene. A series the night when I found out what a ‘Nammer’ was. happened. I went to the IOW in ‘84 but after a night of Mod related events led him to taking a Saturday I was advised it was likely to be several scooters of watching bonfires and burning tents I had had job at Carnaby Scooters in Thatcham; that was it welded together and the rest of it being made up enough. I hadn’t had enough of scooters just the scooters were back and I was getting one. I decided of filler and chicken wire. I had paid good money scooter scene. I thought I would just take a bit of that as it was going to be a new start I would go for for it and was now stuck with what was highly likely 1. a break and then get the GP back on the road but a Vespa this time around. It had everything to do to be scrap. I couldn’t pass it on to someone else it never happened. Shortly after that I bought my with my memories of the Lambretta breaking down as that could have potentially put someone else’s first house and the GP was sold to raise some money and a lot to do with the fact that the shiny new Ves- life in danger. I still wanted a vintage Vespa so I de- “It was some time in ‘79 whilst returning to Water- towards the deposit. pa PX150 had indicators and good brakes and that cided against the advice of people who perhaps I loo after a night out at a punk gig in London that I first became aware of the . Modz had I was scared to death of the other road users. I was been scrawled in big black marker pen over the worried it would be like some kind of death race walls and bridges all around the London South Bank 2016 out there. The PX was great, it was shiny and Theatre. I was 18 and had no idea what a Mod was. new it had good brakes and indicators but it didn’t I did however think the Z on the end of Modz made go fast enough. I had a nice Tucano Urbano jacket it look pretty cool. Shortly after, Gary Bushell wrote with armoured pads in the elbow and shoulders so I an article in Sounds magazine which introduced the now felt brave enough to want to zip along a bit. Neil Mod revival to its teenage readership. Soon Quad- Campbell one of those original Basingstoke scooter- rophenia was released and Mod went mainstream ists who had appeared back in ‘79 was around to and I got my first scooter. help me through my scooter growing pains. He took me off to Reedspeed and Jerome sorted me out It was bought for me by my mum; my grandad had with a Pinasco 177 kit, a 60mm crank and SIP Road died a couple of years before and she bought it with 2 which delivered me 16bhp. At the same time he the money he had left us. We were supposed to re-vamped the dampers and improved the brakes share it but we both knew that was never going to and fitted one of his Zeus CDIs. The transformation happen. It was a K reg GP200 electronic with disk on was complete - I now had a reasonably fast scooter the front and was painted in a sort of yellow ochre. which was reliable, so much more than I had ever I didn’t care much for the colour but I fell in love got close to back in the days with my poor old Lam- with the scooter. Soon after that other scootering bretta GP200. Mods appeared and before long Basingstoke had its very own scooter club. I had a parka with target on Shortly after the transformation of the PX I started the back, the scooter was painted green and I was to become interested in vintage Vespas. I decided I pretending I’d always liked the Who and The Small simply had to have one, even though I didn’t know Faces. Thursday night trips were made to neigh- the first thing about them. I had seen a silver vin- bouring Farnborough to meet up with the Junction tage Vespa whilst I had been on holiday in Lisbon. It 13 crowd and bands were watched at the Wooden had a badge which said it was a Special; back then I Bridge Guildford. Scooter rallies followed, firstly hadn’t heard of Motovespa so I struggled to identify Brighton and in the years which followed Yarmouth, it but nonetheless decided I wanted one. I looked the Isle of Wight and various other booze soaked 2. it up and decided it looked like a Super or perhaps 4.

22 23 VACANZA GENOVESE

New member Ian Murphy contacted me in October at the Motovespa factory in Ciudad Lineal (north last year with the following story. It’s always good eastern Madrid) in 1961, this example, equivalent to receive your contributions; considering the to a Piaggio 125 VNB, found itself in London over JOURNAL is a members’ magazine. Ian is fairly 50 years later. At Retrospective it was given new new to the VVC; originally from Glasgow, now life with a PX125 power plant, upgraded to 12V based in Düsseldorf, Germany, after many years electrics and with each ride to my constant gratitude, spent in London. converted to 10 inch wheels. Where original paint “Summer 2019 - I was in the process of relocating retains a classic Vespa’s essence and charm, this of permanently (and quite suddenly) from north course isn’t always feasible, and for such instances London to Düsseldorf in western Germany; needless Dave Maher at the London Scooter Bodyshop is an to say securing safe passage for my ‘Italian associate‘ expert when it comes to preparation and applying was number one on the priority list. From the new paintwork in period colours. I will not pretend outset I need to clarify an important detail - when to be familiar with colour codes (or contrast these I say Italian, I must respect the close eye for detail with the original Spanish paint) and can only admit among the VVC readership and make clear that this that the dark cream and whitewalls combination particular Vespa, purchased after love at first sight got me hook, line and sinker when purchasing this from the good folk at Retrospective Scooters some as my very own dream machine. Compared with years ago, is not strictly Italian. Having began its life cousins from Pontedera, there is inevitably far less 5. 6.

should have listened to; I was going to refurbish it Photos: and turn it back into the Italian Scooter it once was. The first thing which needed doing was to shot blast 1. Newly purchased Super it and check out the extent of the problem. Fortu- 2. Ready for shot blasting nately the frame turned out to be solid; it had been repaired but the repairs were to a reasonable stand- 3. Frame in primer ard. I got hold of an old Sprint Veloce engine for £50 4. Build up and had it reconditioned. I had the Super re-sprayed using the correct colour for a ‘66 model. The wheels 5. Finished Super with PX150 have been converted to 10 inch and the dampers replaced with BGM upgrades. I had Reedspeed put 6. Finished Super in Ecchinswell Village a 177 alloy kit on it. The exhaust was replaced An interesting tale from new VVC member, Stewart with a SIP Road 2 and a new up jetted 20/20 carb one of discovery, and subsequent rediscovery, of fitted, Roger at Wessex Scooters fitted a Pinasco Fl- scootering and scooters. Most of us can recount a ytech and I replaced the wiring loom. It’s all finished time we’ve been ‘stung’ when buying not just scoot- now and as far as possible back to being an Italian ers/scooter parts but cars and pretty much anything Scooter. I’m pleased with it and have enjoyed doing second hand – the item not quite matching the pho- it. I don’t blame anyone but myself for me ending up tos or description. A reminder to everyone to remain with a ‘Nammer’ - I rushed in without doing any re- vigilant - thanks Stewart and we hope to see you and search which at my age I should have known better. your blue Super at a club event. I’m much wiser now and can spot a South East Asian import from a mile off. If you have a story to tell, whether it’s your scoot- ering journey, a rally or trip you made, or perhaps It’s great to be back into scootering and even though you’d like to show off your Vespa, then please email it’s been a bit painful and expensive I wouldn’t me the details – [email protected] change any of it. I look forward to bringing the re- vived blue 150 Super along to VVC events as soon as Thanks — Paul Hart (VVC Editor). the new scooter season gets under way…”

Words and photos by Stewart Withey.

24 25 manufacturing staying in Genoa and Vespa moving more convinced was truly a grand touring vehicle to the Pontedera factory near Pisa in . Also, in disguise (affording equivalent comfort and of compared with other Italian cities like Rome and course performance to ’s first 350 GT Milan, Genoa presents one of the remaining golden model released a few years later than my ’61 Vespa opportunities for Vespisti to enjoy uninhibited two in 1964… honestly!). In real life, there can be no stroke riding throughout the entire city (historical price put on air conditioning - let alone enjoying streets included) - N.B. I understand there may sadly t-shirt riding as the only means of cooling down on have been some changes since the summer. dry land during an Italian heat wave! Back in town, Within a few days I had impetuously arranged the Vespa was inevitably starting conversations on a collection in Islington and was loading the bike regular basis and very helpfully dragging my Italian into a van, hoping desperately for a safe reunion out of its comfort zone and into some extremely on the other side. Forty eight hours later I was pleasant and friendly exchanges with the local waiting nervously at the Porto Antico in Genoa for Genovesi. Whilst this entailed a number of times my two-wheeled merchandise to appear and after having to sheepishly admit that I did not ride all only a few brief and exciting minutes later, the UK the way from London, as ever the friendliness of white van had been and gone and I was standing the locals was abundant and genuine - with regular literature available on Motovespas of the period by the roadside with the Vespa looking immediately “complimenti!” as these machines become increasingly but they generally have a reputation for being at home on Italian terra firma. Only at this point, rare on the city roads and no doubt invoking a great very well built with frames produced from slightly did it then suddenly dawn on me that although the level of nostalgia and personal memories for those thicker steel; it probably being fair to say that Vespa bike very much looked at home in the crowded it encounters. Over the last few days I was joined by production under the Spanish licence generally and frantic Italian portside traffic, my own comfort family and this remaining time was spent running did not entail quite as much debacle as those in levels, riding in the native environment, would need a beach (and evening dinner) taxi service in and Germany (Hoffman before Messerschmitt) and the to develop very, very quickly. After immediately around Sori and Bogliasco, and when not riding, UK (of course the Douglas story we know well). learning the importance of riding (and reacting) in enjoying listening to De André’s songs, Capolavoro Further research into the history of production at sync with the 2-wheeled flow, it soon became clear and Creuza de Ma‘ (Muletrack by the Sea) whilst staring the Ciudad Lineal factory is probably best tackled that Vespa riding in Italy is more of a natural state, out at the Vespa as it sat not so far short of the prone to excessive tourist traffic. However, given the in another article but it is briefly worth pausing to than an experience as a second class road user. This horizon over the Ligurian Sea. All the while I had fact that this would involve crossing the mountains remember that this Vespa was, quite amazingly, built made for an extremely refreshing riding experience been trying frantically to secure the Vespa’s onward over to the other side of the coastal peninsula when Spain was firmly under Franco’s rule and still which smashed any unfair stereotypes of Italian city shipping to Germany, with my departing flight and that Portofino was rumoured to be one of the some time before democracy came to Iberia. Back driving - with many car drivers demonstrating clear creeping uncomfortably closer, I managed to get inspirations for the set of ‘The Prisoner’, I decided to to the task at hand, in relocating between jobs I had empathy for life on two wheels and demonstrating this in place just in time and decided to make one set out after dinner with limited daylight remaining. begun to speculatively check shipping costs from incredible levels of courtesy compared with London! final long ride down to Portofino. Having already Trying to make the most out of the fading light, I London to Germany, while simultaneously making visited the town a number of times during my stay, enjoyed riding at good speed across the mountain For the following two weeks I was very fortunate I did not have any huge interest in visiting Portofino ridge and down towards my destination - with the arrangements to return to an Italian language to get used to a routine of attending Italian classes school in Genoa, which I had attended the previous given its reputation as something of a luxury bubble number of foreign registrations and fancy Italian earlier in the day and making trips on the Vespa in an otherwise very genuine corner of Liguria, not cars increasing rapidly. On making it to Portofino, year. As I planned to spend 2 weeks in Italy (and every day thereafter. After getting comfortable in that time would likely also part with cash hiring I had a good look around yet sadly did not see any within the swarms of wasps in and around town, other Vespas (or even cars) of the period, and since some plastic nightmare), out of sheer curiosity I my first trip down the Corso Italia was to Genoa’s briefly checked how Vespa shipping costs to Italy getting a light snack anywhere appeared to be out commune or district of Sant’Ilario, which for any of budget, I decided to enjoy getting back on the would compare with direct delivery to Germany. music fans out there, is connected with one of After being surprised to discover that differences in road to Sori. After getting stuck behind a brand new Genoa’s most famous and revered sons, the late Jaguar all the way out of town (which I must admit I shipping charges further on to the Vespa homeland singer-songwriter Fabrizio de André, as the setting were almost negligible, it became very quickly hugely enjoyed overtaking!), the Vespa went into the of his work ‘Bocca di Rosa’ - the story of the death of garage for one last night before a very rushed and clear that what was a fleeting pipe dream moments a local professional and her passing being mourned earlier, could actually become a very serious adventurous ride back to the port to be collected the by everyone from the Carabinieri to the local clergy. next day. opportunity to turn dreams into reality. Importantly, Sant’Ilario is extraordinarily beautiful; perched just whilst hatching this very last minute plan, at the beyond the neighbouring commune of Nervi, well Upon being reunited with my Vespa in Germany, front of my mind was also the fact that Genoa is up on the steep hillsides that adjoin the meandering the whole Italian experience adopted a very surreal the original home of Piaggio – from the beginning Ligurian coastline. As serious hillclimbing quickly feeling which I am not sure I will ever manage to Vespa was produced at the Genoa Sestri Ponente became a daily theme throughout the trip, it was beat… although I will be trying to do so again one factory until 1964, before Piaggio’s aviation-railway clear that such elevation presented no problems for day!” and motorcycle divisions split, with aircraft-train the Vespa, which with each passing day I became Words and photos by Ian Murphy.

26 27 A BIT OF DOUGLAS NOSTALGIA enough to secure the lot. The history, although assembling the Rod Model in March 1951. not extensive, turned out to be very interesting! Darren wondered if the number 226. shown at Present with the Rod was the original bill of the top right corner of the sales invoice denotes sale, dated October 2nd 1951. It was initially it being the 226th off the production line – or was th In 2013 VVC held a joint publicity event with Darren is always very good about me visiting him sold by Official Distributors and Retailers of the H.A. Fox & Co. Ltd the 226 UK agent appointed Mozzino café bar, located at the time in London’s for a nose around his garage with my camera, Douglas Vespa and Douglas Ape, H.A. Fox & as a dealer for Douglas Vespa and Ape models? Broadwick Street, in the heart of Soho. I didn’t which I’ve done on a few occasions down the Co. Ltd at 3-5 Burlington Gardens, Old Bond At the foot of the receipt given to Mr. Carini, is get along to it but I remember seeing the photos years. My latest visits were during November and Street, London W1, to a J.Carini Esq. of 28-29 written Vespa a/c. 226. which makes me think it is in the VVC JOURNAL, edited by Ashley Lenton December 2019 when I got to photograph a few Odessa Street, Dowlais, Glamorgan. Curious the latter. that Mr. Carini living at the time in Dowlais, a back then. I did subsequently visit for a coffee after of Darren’s bikes for the JOURNAL – keep an Anyhow, all this is a tantalising glimpse back in county borough of Merthyr Tydfil, opted to buy the event when I was next in town and clocked eye open for those in upcoming issues. The blue time; amazing this Vespa still has its original sale his scooter from central London, when there the blue painted Douglas Rod Model displayed Rod as you can see didn’t escape my attention, documents and how fitting that 62 years later it must have been dealers located nearer to him in in the window. Also on display at the back of the resulting in the accompanying shots. found its way back to Soho, just a few streets away bar was a Messerschmitt GS150, adorned with South Wales? VVC Chairman Roger Smith did Back to May 2013 and while searching online, from where Mr. Carini first purchased it! Nice an original 1963 Cortina d’Ampezzo Eurovespa some digging and discovered the Carini’s were Darren’s attention was drawn by an advertisement also that Darren got hold of it; him being a sucker legshield banner; naturally I had to take photos an Italian family that ran a corner cafe in Odessa for the Rod. Often such adverts when opened for retaining the historical value and importance of both! Street, Dowlais – musing that perhaps having a are old, expired posts from a few years previous. of such objects, rather than getting it shot blasted new Vespa was a fond memory for Mr Carini of The blue Rod was loaned to Mozzino by club However, on closer inspection Darren realised and painted like others would be tempted to do! his former life back home in Italy?! member Darren Bradbury, who some will know this one was live. The Vespa was being auctioned Thanks to Darren Bradbury and also to Roger as a bit of a magpie when it comes to collecting in the West Midlands “from a deceased estate”. Quite possibly so..? What we do know is that Vespas and accessories! A friendly likeable chap Not that he really needed another Rod; he put this Rod Model is an early example; given the Smith for his sleuthing skills. with a discerning taste in original paint scooters, in a telephone bid, which as it happened, was Douglas Kingswood factory in Bristol only began Words and photos by Paul Hart.

28 29 30 31 MY FIRST SCOOTER

New Zealand based Andrew Ross answered my After a few months of searching the classifieds, sufficient to keep me from my growing family of request for stories from overseas VVC members the Otaki advert appeared and I became the old scooters. Within a few years this included two with this excellent article... proud twelfth owner of 481OR. With the aid of GS160s, a Rod Type, a Model G, and another “Vespa Super 1968, wrecking, two new tires, a spark plug from a Suzuki 100, the scooter was Super (this from the early morning commuter persuaded to fire up. Taking it for its first blat spare motor. Tel Otaki 45-476.” As seen in The who provided the original inspiration). Also a down the road I was disconcerted by its ungainly Dominion classified circa October 1983. That couple of Fuji Rabbits and a MS50. The handling and the difficulty of keeping it in either weekend my dad and I hitched up the trailer and Caterton dump was always worth a look in on second or third gear. The gear and clutch action drove over from Masterton and met Mr Franklin the way through. Over the years I have salvaged was somewhat improved by dealing with the and his “wreck” – a 150 Super, brush painted from the tip face a Rod Type, a 42L2, a Super cables, which had been routed outside the frame. bright blue with “Lil Wonder” written where the and a Ducatti Brio. I soon learned that there was no real problem Vespa badge should have been. It didn’t look Anyway back to number one. I worked out that it to fitting Vespa cables properly, but you first had too bad but it certainly wasn’t going to start for to remove the petrol tank and speedo. Another was supposed to have 8 inch wheels and converted us. Mr Franklin was the eleventh owner, had issue was the back wheel that seemed to be about it back to this after two years of running it with owned it for a year and had ridden it to and from an inch off centre to the left. As it turned out my GS160 10 inch wheels. Not quite as fast with a tail Paraparaumu until it gave up on him. After $45 Super had GS160 wheels and steering column. wind but quicker up hills and with better handling changed hands and papers signed we loaded Reversing the studs and bolting the rim to the and rear breaks. I managed to contact a previous her up and returned to her new home in the inside of the hub helped to realign the back wheel. owner and learnt that the steering column had Wairarapa. Nevertheless it was still a pig to ride; jumping out been bent after a hitting a cattle beast at night, At the time I was 17 and my brother and I of gear, hard to start and a bit on the gutless side. so he put in a spare 160 front end and wheels. had been mucking about on trail bikes for a Placing a “Vespa parts wanted” ad in the paper, I eventually straightened and strengthened the few years. But earlier that year on my morning I got a call from a young guy in Lower Hutt who frame after I rear ended a car and bent it even paper run I had noticed this guy starting up a had a business called “Bryan’s Scooter Shed.” further. The motor had to be dismantled again with their nasty phillips heads screws, the Italian funny old motor scooter outside his house and The shed was a construction made from plywood after a couple of years because the crankshaft job was quite straightforward to work on. I made heading off to work. I was intrigued, though these packing cases down in the bush behind his was spinning inside the right hand main bearing a few tools at school metalwork like a clutch puller contraptions certainly weren’t unfamiliar. In the parent’s house in Maungaraki. I was amazed to and getting loose. An engineer friend turned the and a pegged device for unscrewing the back early 70’s I remember plenty of motor scooters behold at least forty machines crammed into this shaft down and fitted a hardened steel sleeve with wheel bearing retaining ring. While the engine about, mostly (like their riders) pretty down at dank shanty – Vespas, NZetas, Puchs, Rabbits, an interference fit to the inside of the bearing. was out I set to work on the body with a kitchen heel sort of affairs. There was a sense of them Heinkels and heaps of spare parts. Apparently I have since encountered the same problem knife and paint stripper, carefully removing all being slightly out of their time, even then. By he had grabbed a lot from “Benny’s Vespas” in with other Vespas; Loctite is usually effective in the 80’s they had all but disappeared. As a kid, Webb Street, Wellington, when it closed down but the original factory paint. I didn’t care how sticking the bearing to the shaft. Over the years scooters were curious machines to me. They had and Benny ended up in Porirua Mental Hospital. rough it came out as long as it looked original. the scooter interest has endured, though has two wheels but were car like in their bodywork Anyhow, Bryan was very helpful with advice The original was off white and not affected by the waxed and waned as other concerns compete for with hidden engines and some with windscreens. and parts and put me onto “Scooter House” in paint stripper. With the rebuilt motor it ran a lot one’s attention. The collection has grown, then Seeing this relic in 1983 rekindled my curiosity. Auckland’s Karangahape Road as a source of better and didn’t jump out of gear, and I rode it shrunk and then grown again. And 481OR is still At the time I didn’t know that it was a Vespa, new engine parts. I had a number of dealings everywhere. During my first few years at varsity my main hack after countless thousands of miles only that old scooters might have been Italian in with Bryan over the next few years before he got in Wellington the Vespa took me to Masterton and another engine rebuild. It’s been up and origin. Determined to find out more I searched out of the scooter business. Does anyone else and back most weekends, usually late Friday down the country a few times and served as daily the public library and found a copy of Jon Stevens remember Bryan? night to Masterton, returning to Wellington first transport around Wellington. At the moment it is “Scootering”. I read this cover-to-cover, learning During the summer of 83/84 I pulled the engine thing Monday. In winter it would sometimes be running better than ever and is looking forward all about the different brands and the post-war to bits and sent away to “Scooter House” for snowing on the Rimataka Hill road. The trip to trip down to Invercargill – a possible sequel to scootering phenomena. I was now an incurable everything necessary for a complete engine/ usually took the best part of two hours. The “Goodbye Pork Pie”? I’m taking this bloody scooter scooterist and it was my mission to get a Vespa. gearbox recondition. Compared to Japanese bikes weekend attractions of the big smoke weren’t to Invercargill, boy!

32 33 VVC PERSONNEL

Update 2019 What a great story and thanks so much to Andrew! I’m always curious what appeal the It’s ten years now since this article appeared in PRESIDENT COMPLIANCE FACEBOOK MODERATORS VVC has for members not living on UK shores the “New Zealand Classic Scooter News”, and Frank Brookes BEM Tony Purdy Roger Green & Warren Jopson the status of 481OR has not changed, still being and asked Andrew. E. [email protected] E. [email protected] CLUB EVENT SUPPORT * my number one run about. My dual occupations “Hi Paul, in 2008 I was in the UK for 3 months, CHAIRMAN * JOURNAL EDITOR * Peter Hanman as photographer and self-employed handyman Roger Smith Paul Hart E. [email protected] mostly rambling, South West coastal path, involve constant commuting. As traffic congestion T. 01323 491417 T. 07925 576474 Pennine way etc. Did visit a scooter shop or two E. [email protected] E. [email protected] WEBSITE MANAGER * worsens year by year in Wellington a scooter is in London though and bought a fan cowling Alan Springall more than ever the ideal transport. You can pile TREASURER * DVLA DATING E. [email protected] for my 92L2 from one that was run by an expat a Vespa up with amazing quantities of gear and Bob & Joan Toohey Bill Drake Kiwi, maybe he mentioned the VVC, or I saw E. [email protected] 23 Archers Road, Eastleigh SHOP slice through the clogged masses of four wheeled a Journal there? I really liked the Journal and Hampshire SO50 9AQ Richard Vickery * monsters. Now with two small children, the next GENERAL SECRETARY * E. [email protected] E. [email protected] thought it would be cool to get four of these generation is enjoying the fun and practicality of David Ball a year, so have been a member for 11 years E. [email protected] FACEBOOK ADMINISTRATORS * TECHNICAL ADVICE old scooters – the eldest, Rowland (age 7) now now. There were a couple of intermittent NZ Martin Sambrook Roger Green sometimes pillions with me (main picture, taken MEMBERSHIP * E. [email protected] E. [email protected] scooter magazines, but they’re in remission April 2019). Maybe one day they’ll be doing the Martin Sambrook now. I enjoy the historical and technical articles, E. [email protected] * Indicates committee members same with their kids. By that time however, if and people’s life story’s - like the one in issue 481OR is to remain on the road, it will need a No.80, Mr. Ken Morris. In the mid-late 80’s the conversion to battery power. — Andrew Ross. Wellington library still had all the back issues of ‘Motorcycling’ magazine to the late 40’s. During the 60’s this was ‘motorcycling with scooter weekly’. Of course these are long gone now, but back then I devoured them all and would love to read these again. Wouldn’t it be great for these to be republished in facsimile or made available online. I’ve got a copy of ‘Motorcycling, - tests of scooters and three wheelers’ 2nd series. I know there’s a 1st and 3rd series. If there’s anyone in the club that has these and would like to make a copy of them, or be interested in copies of mine, let me know. Sometime I could send the longer story on restoring a Sportique. Yours - Andrew.”

If anyone can help out Andrew with copies of the above mentioned magazines, please get in touch with me via email and I will put you in touch – [email protected]

Andrew’s Vespa Super on the Westport water front with a friend’s GS160 during a 2 week trip around the South Island - 1994.

34 35 UNA STUBBS

Photo supplied by Bill Drake.

1960s period press photo of actress Una Stubbs on Douglas Sportique.