What do you get if you cross a Lambretta with a Vespa?

iso_milano_ebay_heroWell, it wouldn’t look a million miles from an Iso Milano would it? The front half looks very Vespa, while from the headset back it’s got distinctly Lambretta styling. Dating from 1957/58, it’s a remarkable ‘modern’ looking scooter for the day… Lambretta’s still had the headlight on the horncasing then. So, best of both worlds, or a bit of chimera? I suppose that’s a matter of taste.

If it’s to your taste, you can get hold of this one on eBay, here for not too much dosh; £1,250.00 ‘buy it now’ or make them an offer. Leave the Iso badges off, and you’ll have a few people scratching their heads… The bloke from the front saw you on a red Vespa, the bloke from the side swears blind you were riding a Lammie!
Here it is on eBay (Link updated as the scooter has been resisted).

The only thing better than a Lambretta for Christmas…

dl-twinsTWO Lambrettas for Christmas of course! There’s a matching pair of LD’s on eBay at the moment. I must admit, if I found £11k down the back of the sofa I’d be tempted.


Here they are on eBay

1947 Lambretta Model A on eBay

itebay_moda_1Not a lot of description on this one, so if you’re interested, I’s suggest a little personal research… I spotted this Model A on the Italian eBay site. Now it’s obviously where it all began for Lambretta… so this is an important machine. They don’t come up that often, so this may be your chance to own a bit of Lambretta and automotive history!

 Here it is on eBay

LC Sidecar Combination

lc_sidecar_ebay_italy-4On the Italian eBay site is this rather lovely LC and sidecar combo. It’s €12,500, which bearing in mind the state of the pound, is a little on the steep side. If you’re not lucky enough to live in Italy, he’ll ship it internationally.

Here’s the eBay link

Original condition SX on eBay

 

1968_sx_ebay_rtouched‘Original condition’ may be a synonym for a bit rough. Just as ‘patina’ has become a synonym for what I used to call an RAF scoot – Rusty as F••k. But IMHO there’s a lot to like about this SX. For a start it’s all there… (well as far as I can tell from the pics, barring the rear frame badge, which shouldn’t be a problem). The panels look like they’re a good snug fit. Of course it needs a bit of TLC. And the engine will need a tinker with. Ok, it’s not a 200, but it IS an SX, a genuine one, not an LI dressed up, and it’s not silly money. It’s not cheap… but at todays prices, £3,550.00 looks like pretty good value to me. You could go either way with this one, a ‘conserved restoration’ or a a full nut and bolt shiney shiney job. Your call.
Here it is on eBay

The Speedwear Classic Waxed Cotton Motorcycle Jacket

A while back I wrote a review of several ‘less expensive waxed cotton jackets‘, less expensive than the two big names in the market, (Belstaff and Barbour) anyway. Looking at my stats, it’s one of the most popular posts on the blog.wax_jacket_front3_1024x1024

Well, I thought it was about time I wrote an update. In doing a little online research, there was one jacket that really stood out –  the Speedwear Classic Wax Cotton Motorcycle Jacket.

Described as “The Classic Belted Classic Style Motorcycle jacket, made in heavy duty twelve ounce black wax cotton.  As used by motorcyclists the world over, made using traditional techniques and Genuine wax cotton oil skin fabric. Contrast studs lined with tartan lining. Storm Cuffs .  Breast Map pocket. Roller buckle throat adjustment. Studded front closure with heavy duty zip and roller buckle belt. This is the original Technical Garment that is a great Classic Fashion item for both on or off your bike.” This jacket is exceptional value for money at just £64.99 (at time of writing). Now, I can’t personally endorse this jacket, not owning one (yet!), but the reviews from those that have bought it seem consistently good.

Find it out on Amazon here:Classic Black Waxed Cotton Motorcycle Jacket (Large)

Or check out the Speedwear website for the full range of gear.

Speedwear are a British company, based in the Wirral. They’ve been in business for 15 years, making garments using the finest British waxed cotton available at a great price.

Update; There must be something in the air about wax cotton jackets… as the nice people at Scooterlab have just done a group test on a bunch of wax cotton jackets… all a bot pricier than the Speedwear however. Check it out here.

Roman Rozzers Ride

rome_police_lam-1Another interesting scooter spotted on the popular online auction site… Well, I think it’s interesting. It’s an ex-Rome Municipal Police Scooter, complete with original motif. A little different from the standard  LI’s. And it’s a runner. Unfortunately, I don’t think it comes with the copper’s hat.

UPDATE: Luigi has got in touch from Italy pointing out that the coat of arms isn’t from Rome at all, but the city of Acqui Terme, in the province of Alessandria, which is in the Northern region of Piedmont. Thanks Luigi!


If you think it’s interesting too, check it out here.

1971 DL 200 Electronic on eBay

gp_electronic-ebaySpotted this little beauty on eBay. A super-rare genuine (purportedly!) 1971 DP 200 Electronic. There are many electronic ‘clones’ out there… but, with only 500 or so models made, hardly any genuine ones.

The engine is seized, and though complete,  she’ll need a bit of work to bring her up to scratch (a nice conserved restoration, hopefully) but with all the proper Italian paperwork this could be rare opportunity to own one of the rarer and more desirable Lambretta models.

Although not UK Registered, it will be registered on the NOVA System, and you’ll get a NOVA reference number, along with a proper VAT sales invoice and dating certificate from the Lambretta Owners Club / VMSC for you to register the scoot at your DVLA office.
Here’s the eBay link < Sorry, it’s gone now.

Auto Suggestions…

If a traditional geared Lambretta engine is not your thing there’s a couple of cool Lambretta Autos on eBay at the mo, with very different aesthetics.

s2_spanishauto1The first one is a Spanish Rat Rod with a Vespa ET4 lump in it;Here it is on eBay

The second is a street racer but by Frank Sanderson – who knows a thing or two about Lambretta Autos.

fsautocolourgraded

It has a tuned and upgraded 172cc Gilera Runner 2-Stroke engine in a Lambretta frame.That one’s on eBay here.

If you don’t like Autos, Rex Monacos, Simson Schwalbes, Scomadis or Snuggys,  or even Prince Buster (shame on you!), I promise I’ll be posting about some real Lambrettas soon 🙂

Staines Skinhead Scomadi

stainesscomadi2Came across this tidy Scomadi in Staines, sorry Staines-upon-Thames, the other day.

It’s been tastefully modded to lower the back end, which gives it a much more traditional look, along with a number of performance upgrades. I had a brief chat with the owner, Mark, and it’s up for sale… he wants £2k for it (he’s spent over £3k on it). If you’re interested, drop him an email.stainesscomadi1