Oldies but Goldies…

Posted on January 22, 2016 by crocodilejock

The Golden Special, along with it’s slightly less impressive ‘sister’ The Silver Special was launched in 1965 by Innocenti to give the LI Special range a bit of a boost. I’ve never been a huge fan of the Golden Special, which is just my personal taste, I don’t think the colour sets off the lines of machine as well as the some of the other combos. I’m just not a gold kinda guy, too blingy for me. Don’t like the gold iPhone, don’t like gold taps, I don’t even reckon Gold is Spandau Ballet’s best song.

But if you’ve got a taste for the finer things in life, there are a couple of Golden Specials on eBay. They’re not mega rare, but they are far from run-of-the-mill.

The first one is in it’s original paint, a wonderful, unrestored example, straight form Italy. It would really benefit from being kept ‘as is’ or a conserved restoration. It’s on eBay, here.

The second has taken the Golden Special, and added gold. Gold plated engine parts and brightwork. It looks very classy next to that well preserved ’80’s Vespa (a Cosa? I’m no expert!) If it floats your boat, check it out on eBay

Didier’s lid!

Posted on June 3, 2014 by crocodilejock

Didier, or to give him his full appellation “Lord Didier Coquoz” sent me this pic via the blog’s Facebook page. He’s astride his ’66 150 Special, and particularly proud of his original 1960’s helmet, hand painted by himself “when he was a kid, a couple of weeks ago!” You may spot that he is Swiss. That scooter (restored by lambrettista.ch) looks worthy of a few close ups!

I’ve never met Didier, but I already know he enjoys a laugh. If I’m ever in Switzerland, I’d love to share a Toblerone with him!

Back in the day…

Posted on March 2, 2014 by crocodilejock

My good friend Tone posted this pic of me and a couple of pals back in the day… that’s me, centre, astride my first scooter, a Serveta 150 Special. Complete with stalk indicators… well, one anyway. Althiugh I look about 12, I reckon I must have just turned 17. This must have been fairly early in my ownership, as I took a hacksaw to both of them shortly after! The Vespa boys are Rob on (If I remember correctly, a Primavera) and Mike on a (again, I think… ) a 50 Special in a gorgeous shade of pale Aquamarine, the photo really doesn’t do it justice.

Tony was a Lambretta man at heart, like myself, having a great old beast of a Series 2 before succumbing to the lure of the Vespa, having a P200E, a T5 and a Corsa.

One for fans of Doctor Who, Redheads, and the Lambretta.

Posted on December 18, 2013 by crocodilejock

Not necessarily in that order. Nice photo set of Karen Gillan, the Scottish actress who played the Doctors glamorous and feisty assistant Amy Pond in the cult sci-fi series. Discovered on this Czech site, I’m unable to credit the photographer* *If it’s you, get in touch and I’ll give you full credits etc. and link to your site. And sorry for posting without your prior permission, I tried to track you down, honest. Nice shots.