This isn’t an 80’s scoot. It was imported from India in 2008. But, for me, it’s got that 80’s feel about it. It’s the type of scoot I’d have wanted more than any other in the ’80s. An Arthur Francis Super S-Type. Built, and signed by Ray and Ben Kemp. In orange (ok, “Red candy over marigold”).
Very nice, clean Extra S Type 52 Anniversary model spotted on eBay.
186 Muggello engine, with all the bits you’d expect for a scooter that cost £12.5k to build!
Super, according to the dictionary means; “an article of a superior quality, grade, size, etc.; very good; first-rate; excellent.” This Super S-Type, for sale on eBay, is Super. Perhaps even Super-Dooper.
There are a ton of Lammies for sale on eBay, but I only post the ones that really float my boat. This one does, in spades. A proper ’80s style S-Type GP complete with glitter-flake paint. Perhaps it’s the sad demise of funkster Prince has got me in a purple mood. Whatever it is, this scoot has all the relevant AF Rayspeed invoices including initial invoice detailing all work done to convert to a Super S-Type. It’s even got Ray Kemp’s signature, on the spare wheel. If you’ve always had a yen for an S-Type, Here’s the link on eBay
Derek, from Bonhams in San Francisco, kindly sent me a heads up of this lovely TV225 up for auction in their forthcoming Quail Lodge Auction.
The original, matching numbers scoot has been restored, by P-Town Scooters of Portland, Oregon, to full Arthur Francis 225cc ‘S’ Type specs. The finished article features all the goodies one might expect, including an Ancillotti megaphone exhaust, tuned 225cc motor, Nannucci race seat, Lucas lamps and Cuppini rack.
The Bonhams Quail Lodge 2014 Auction will be held August 14th and August 15th on the grounds of the Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley, California. Held in connection with the Quail Motorsport Gathering, the 17th annual Bonhams sale held during Monterey Classic Car Week will feature nearly 120 vehicles. The S Type is lot 197. More details here.
Just another S-Type pic I stumbled upon on the web somewhere. I’ve done an image search, but I can’t find anything more about this scoot, but just from the little details you can pick out you know it’s a stunner. The trimmed headlight peak, the balloon grips, the candy striped leg shield trim… all hint to a cracker of a scoot. If it’s yours… I’d love to feature it on the blog.
It’s been a long time ambition of mine to own, and ride, an AF S-Type, or a faithful replica of one. Seen by many Lambrettisi as the pinnacle of what you can do with the Lambretta, I think they are pretty much the perfect balance between performance, reliability and style. I’ve even got my colour scheme and sticker placement already planned out. But there’s a couple of points I’m unsure about. Would I have two pathfinders, or just the one? I’ve always thought two… but this scoot looks so right with just the one. And would I have an inline spare wheel carrier, or tuck it behind the ledshields? Decisions, decisions. Well, as I’m potless at the moment, these vital choices can wait. For now. But when I get that windfall… there are tough choices to be made!
This glorious S-Type Replica is owned by Stefan, who is behind the excellent Get Around Better Lambretta Photoblog. Another great blog to follow!
UPDATE: Stefan has been in touch with a few more details about his pride and joy. But first I’ll fill you techy types in on what’s under the panels. The engine is a TS1 225, with a Mikuni TMX 35mm carb and Taffspeed road pipe. A front hydraulic disc, Raydot foglight and Smith speedometer and Ancilotti seat all give it the authentic AF Rayspeed look. But putting together a UK ‘dealer special’ replica in Germany wasn’t all plane sailing, an iIt’s the little details that caused Stefan the biggest problems. On a scoot like this is all about getting the details right… the rubber for the Raydot took some tracking down, and he had to persuade the guy who’d commissioned 100 “225” badges just to get three for his one scoot to let him buy some! Still, it has all come together to produce a first class machine. Nice work!
Love it. Everything about it. The scooter… obviously. The riding stance… the boots… the helmet… the colour cast of the film stock… but most of all the jumper. Just love it.
That last pic prompted me to post this one, that’s been sitting on my hard drive for a few days. Don’t know anything about this one either. I’d love to give credit where it’s due, it’s a great shot. So if it’s your scoot or your photograph, let me know and I’ll credit you.
My last post featured a cracking “Rat Racer” Series one… and I thought it was just about perfect. Something I’d love to own. There would be a few little tweaks I’d make… and that’s the way it is with most of the scoots I find. Nearly perfect, but with a couple of tweaks… a bit of chrome there… an accessory added, or removed… but that’s the joy of Lambretta’s. The machines rolled out of the factory, close to perfection… but somehow owners (and dealers) managed to improve them.
But, I think I’ve found a machine where I wouldn’t change a thing. And it’s this stunning SX. Well, an SX 150 S-Type GT 186 to be precise. Everything from the paint colour, to the Ancillotti exhaust screams perfection for me. The raydots at the Smith chrono all add to the package. It’s a classic look, and I don’t think it’s been bettered, to be honest. Perfect.
This lovely scoot was shot by Christian Gentilini, and you can see more of his photography, here, on flickr. He’s a member of the Lambretta Club Teste Cromate S.C.
The pics are copyright (Christian was kind enough to allow me to use them here) so please respect that.
Oh. I’ve spotted it. The tweak I’d make to this scooter. The crankcase side panel has something missing… it needs “Owned and run by Crocodile Jock” discretely signwritten on it. Small in the bottom right corner. And maybe a small enamel union flag badge under the sprint rack. There you go… proved… Lambrettisti just can’t help tinkering with perfection!
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