Hmmm. I hate it when I have to change my mind… I always thought the J-range was the “ugly duckling” of the Lambretta brood… but one of my readers (he’s asked not to be namechecked) sent me a picture of this particularly nice Cento. I think it has rather a nice look to it, don’t you? Nice garden too!
Ok, ok, I know I’ve used the V-word… again… but I came across this great infographic and had to share it.
Browsing eBay I came across this rather lovely LD… it seems to have an excellent provenance and has all the relevant documentation, including the original ‘buff’ logbook.
Some more scooter tat, woops… collectables… a set of fridge magnets, for a not unreasonable £9.99. Available at Back in the days… “Everybodys favourite retro website”
Emilinha Borba (she was big in Brazil in the 1950’s apparently) musial number. With scooters.
Nobody is going to argue with you if you’re driving this bazooka equipped Vespa! Road legal, (apparently!) and available now here on eBay for a smidgin short of twenty grand.
Well, this is as much ‘biker’s gear” as scooterists – it’s a far cry from the traditional mod attire of fishtail parka, or the scooterists jacket of choice the MA1.
But it does it’s job. And it does it bloody well. I bought mine off eBay in November, and wore it throughout the winter. It didn’t leak, on even the wettest of days.It has removable body armour, which coupled with the hi-viz green/yellow colour and genuine 3M Scotchlite trim along the arms make you feel much safer, and more visible.
now the sun has come out I’ve zipped out the inner liner, which kept me plenty warm enough even on the coldest days.
It’s got loads of big pockets – including a handy mobile sized one on the chest.
For about 50 + P&P on eBay you can’t really go wrong. Highly recommended.
BTW – this isn’t a paid for testimonial – I bought this jacket with my own pennies.
Available from Aussie Biker’s Gear online shop.
Hmm, not sure about these… “inspired by the artistry of Peter Carl Fabergé, this treasure has been handcrafted from fine Heirloom Porcelain® and handpainted for intricate detail. Finished with silvery touches, this masterpiece is adorned with traditional Lambretta colours and logos”. Very nice… but why put it in an egg? Still, it seems they’ve got the detail right, and at £39.99 they’re not outrageously expensive. There’s two in the range at the moment… The SX with the union flag panels, and the iconic Rallymaster. Further issues to follow, including a 200 DL (or GP as we tend to know it in the UK). See for yourself on the Bradford Exchange website. Could be the perfect present for the Lambrettista in your life.
A clip from mid 90’s Top Gear
A quick bit of “research” has garnered more information on the Lambretta/Willam story. Basically M. Willam was president of Lambretta France, his connections allowing him to create a large microcar empire in France in the next two decades. Willam was basically a marketing label for a variety of foreign-made vehicles to be sold in France. As head of Lambretta S.A.F.D. in Levallois-Peret, M.H. Willam first presented Lambretta-engined prototypes at the Paris Salon in 1966, which were actually manufactured by Scattolini in Italy.In 1967, he formed an alliance with Lawil (which is surely a contraction of Lambretta and Willam) of Italy, which produced a range of microcars sold in France under the names Willam City and Wilam Farmer. It would appear their main selling point was you didn’t need a proper driving licence to drive one… only a Permis A1. If you’re better versed than me in obscure, obsolete French transport regulations, please feel free to put me right.
The “Sulky” which has to be a candidate for the oddest looking, oddest named car ever award, was ‘powered’ by a Casalini moped engine… 50 or (gasp) 60cc of pure power.
Although, in it’s defence… it has got a good turning circle 🙂
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