Vespa and Lambretta Motor Scooters

Vespa and Lambretta Motor Scooters PDF

Author: Stuart Owen

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2019-02-21

Total Pages: 64

ISBN-13: 1784423173

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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 accessorising and customising the scooters, their essential role in the mod movement, and the revival in Vespa's fortunes following the release of the cult film Quadrophenia.

Vespa Scooters

Vespa Scooters PDF

Author: Mark Paxton

Publisher: Veloce Publishing Ltd

Published: 2010-12-15

Total Pages: 64

ISBN-13: 1845843347

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Stop! Don't buy a classic Vespa without buying this book first! Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Learn how to spot a bad scooter quickly and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right classic Vespa at the right price!

Vespa History- Virginia Burns

Vespa History- Virginia Burns PDF

Author: Virginia Burns

Publisher:

Published: 2020-03-18

Total Pages: 38

ISBN-13:

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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 accessorising and customising the scooters, their essential role in the mod movement, and the revival in Vespa's fortunes following the release of the cult film Quadrophenia.

How to Restore Classic Largeframe Vespa Scooters

How to Restore Classic Largeframe Vespa Scooters PDF

Author: Mark Paxton

Publisher: Veloce Publishing Ltd

Published: 2012-06

Total Pages: 162

ISBN-13: 184584324X

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The 2-stroke Vespa is a style icon – an undoubted classic, and an immediately recognized symbol of its native Italy. Demand for these stylish scooters is booming, and interest in restoring and renovating them is at an all-time high. With its clear and concise text aided by extensively captioned full color photographs, this practical book guides the DIY enthusiast through all the stages of restoring a classic 2-stroke Vespa, taking it from a rusty unroadworthy wreck back to its factory fresh, former glory. It shows how to assess wear in all mechanical components, then assists in deciding the best and most cost effective method to renovate or repair. Both large and small frame power units are covered in detail, giving the reader confidence to carry out their own repairs to a high standard, which is both satisfying and cost effective. Brakes, suspension, electrical systems and brightwork are all addressed, from changing a bulb to welding in a new floor pan. An essential reference for all Vespa enthusiasts.

Culture & Customisation

Culture & Customisation PDF

Author: Barry John

Publisher: Evro Publishing Limited

Published: 2022-01-11

Total Pages: 112

ISBN-13: 9781910505748

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This charming book, packed with unique artwork and engaging photographs, celebrates scooter mania. In a feast of nostalgia, it takes us through the evolution of the scooter, focusing naturally on all things Lambretta and Vespa, but also covering plenty of obscure and eccentric machinery along the way. Scooter enthusiasm in all its forms receives generous attention, whether as fashion accessory for fifties movie stars, style-conscious transport choice for the Mod generation, or object of worship for today's retro-loving adherents. Scooters take off: rising from the rubble of post-war Italy, Piaggio emerged first with its Vespa (meaning 'wasp'), soon followed by Innocenti and its Lambretta (named after a Milan suburb). Evolution: numerous Lambretta and Vespa models over the years are illustrated and explained, accompanied by a look at the myriad accessories available for them. Not just in Italy: a survey of classic-era scooters from Britain (such as Brockhouse Corgi, Sun Wasp and Triumph Tigress), Germany (such as Glas Goggo, Zündapp Bella and Heinkel Tourist), Japan (such as Fuji Rabbit, Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon and Honda Juno) and elsewhere. Mod culture: emerging in the sixties and entwined with music and fashion, it made a unique contribution to scooter fandom that has since embraced the globe. Scooters as classics: the resurgence of interest since the late seventies and all that has come with it, from restoration and racing to customising and clubs. Scooter tales worldwide: Cesare Bataglini's round-the-world Lambretta odyssey; Mod revivalists in Tokyo; elderly scooters soldiering on in Africa; Indonesia's Rebel Riders and their crazy Vespa-derived creations; scaling Ben Nevis on a Lambretta; and much more. Quotes in the book such as "The scooters, clothes and music -- an unforgettable time of my life" and "Exciting, fun and carefree days when anything seemed possible" sum up the enduring appeal of classic scooters. Anyone afflicted with the obsession will adore this book.

Lambretta & Vespa Street Racers

Lambretta & Vespa Street Racers PDF

Author: Stuart Owen

Publisher: Banovallum

Published: 2020-11-18

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9781911658603

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Scooter sales had already peaked in Britain by the mid-1960s - led by the likes of the Lambretta and Vespa. Originally designed as transportation for commuters, the scooter came to be seen more as a vehicle for leisure. Ownership shifted to the younger generation and their appetite for speed and power was insatiable. Shops appeared offering performance tuning services for the first time and a new era of scootering dawned. Production of the Lambretta ceased in 1971 and although Vespa survived, the scooter scene went underground during the 1970s. The passion for tuning continued to flourish however and the release of Quadrophenia inspired a new wave of devotees going into the 1980s. Companies began investing heavily and 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 were prepared to blow huge budgets and their stunning creations took these machines to a new level. Today there is continued investment from manufacturers and competition is still strong as the Lambretta and Vespa Street racer scene continues to thrive. In Lambretta & Vespa Street Racers, author Stuart Owen traces the development of scooter tuning down the decades using dozens of rare period images and highlighting every significant technological milestone along the way. The different but inseparable stories of both Lambretta and Vespa tuning are told in full with compelling insight and expert knowledge.

The Evolution of the Custom Scooter

The Evolution of the Custom Scooter PDF

Author: Stuart Owen

Publisher: Banovallum

Published: 2020-07

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9781911658481

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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.

Lambretta LI Series Scooters

Lambretta LI Series Scooters PDF

Author: Andrea Sparrow

Publisher: Veloce Publishing Ltd

Published: 2006-03-18

Total Pages: 79

ISBN-13: 1904788815

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The LI series was a fast-selling success for Innocenti - not just in its native Italy, but also in Britain, across Europe and the world. This illustrated book provides the full story, specifications, statistics, as well as quotes, and facts and feats.

The Life Vespa

The Life Vespa PDF

Author: Eric Dregni

Publisher: Motorbooks

Published: 2018-05-01

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 0760360448

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Since hitting the road in 1946, eighteen million Vespa motor scooters have buzzed the Earth. Vespa's success lies in the uniqueness of its design -- in the unmistakable sheet metal skin that, over the span of decades, has defined the concept of "motor scooter." The Life Vespa celebrates all aspects of the scooters and the thriving culture that surrounds them. Since Vespa is affordable and in high-style, the life Vespa encompasses all walks of life, from street urchins to celebrities like Audrey Hepburn, John Wayne, and Brad Pitt. Part of Motorbooks’ “Life” series, The Life Vespa melds machine and culture to immerse you in la bella vita.