Stuart Owen Books

Vespa and Lambretta remain the two most iconic motor scooter brands, even four decades after the latter's demise. But what made them such a European sensation in the postwar era? And why were they particularly popular in Britain in the 1950s and '60s? Motor scooter expert Stuart Owen explains the rise of Innocenti's Lambretta and Piaggio's Vespa, from the wartime ruins of Italy, through years of plenty as the two manufacturers exploited a ready market for affordable, economic transport, and then their decline into more uncertain times as motor cars trespassed on their success. He also explores the rich history of accessorizing and customizing the scooters, their essential role in the mod movement, and the revival in Vespa's fortunes following the release of the cult film Quadrophenia .

Restoring a Lambretta is a huge challenge to take on but one that can be very rewarding at the same time. Regardless of the condition of the machine, there are several key stages required to carry out the work in full. From the initial process of stripping down and dry building followed by the full engine and bodywork rebuild up to completion. This guide has been produced from over 35 years of experience and explains each stage and the techniques required to carry out each process along the way. Helping the owner achieve their goal of completing a full Lambretta restoration. The following chapters are included CHAPTER 1 - THE ENGINE REBUILD CHAPTER 2 - REBUILD FIRST STAGE CHAPTER 3 - REBUILD SECOND STAGE CHAPTER 4 - REBUILD THIRD STAGE CHAPTER 5 - CHECKING OVER AND TEST RIDING CHAPTER 6 - FINISHING OFF

Lambretta and Vespa scooters dominated the British two-wheeled market back in the 1950s. Originally seen as a vehicle primarily for transport, the scooter quickly grew into something very different. Perceptions underwent a radical shift and machines once disregarded as a functional and mundane became a way of life for their owners. Subcultures such as the Mods and scooter boys grew up around the scooter, a focal point for fashions that have continued to develop. Soon each owner was customizing their scooter according to their own tastes and desires as far as their budget would allow. The age of the scooter as a status symbol had arrived. From the early days with chrome mirrors and lights in the 1960s to the extravagantly painted murals of the 1980s, owners were using their scooters as canvases upon which to express themselves. Rivalries sprang up and as competition between owners grew, so too did the outrageousness of their creations. Today the custom scooter scene thrives and is a strong as it ever has been - with fresh creations showcasing the talents and imaginations of their owners like never before. More and more people are reminiscing about the iconic scooters of yesteryear and the movement shows no signs of waning. This book goes right back to the beginning to look at how it all started, the different styles each decade produced and the most famous machines ever built.

oung scooter owners of the 1960s had a seemingly insatiable appetite for speed and power. Shops appeared offering performance tuning services for the first time and a new era of scootering dawned. The scene went underground in the 1970s but the release of Quadrophenia inspired a new wave of devotees going into the 1980s. The introduction of the TS1 cylinder kit for the Lambretta and the T5 Vespa by Piaggio took the tuning scene in a new direction. Now the pure Lambretta and Vespa street racer came to the forefront. Owners blew huge budgets and their stunning creations took these machines to a new level. Today the Lambretta and Vespa Street racer scene continues to thrive. Author Stuart Owen traces the development of Lambretta and Vespa tuning down the decades using dozens of rare period images and highlighting every significant technological milestone along the way.

Opening at cinemas on November 2, 1979, Quadrophenia, starring Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash and Toyah, lit the blue touch paper for the scootering movement. Suddenly the Mods' vehicle of choice was back in vogue and teens up and down Britain suddenly realised what was missing from their lives. The wilderness years of the 1970s were all but forgotten as scooters were rescued from shed-bound obscurity and put back on the road in a bewildering variety of custom configurations and colours. It was the beginning of a movement which swept through the 80s and beyond and which, despite some ups and downs, continues today. Stuart Owen presents his look back on this tumultuous scootering decade.