CAR PARK CUSTOM NOT AN 8 0 S REPLICA

Type: 1979 SIL GP200 Owner: Angus Stewart Club: Flying Circus SC Paint: Clive Miles, John Spurgeon Engine: Mugello 225

This month's Car Park Custom Winner may look like a big budget retro build but it’s actually the real deal. An (almost) one owner from new, hard ridden, much loved machine that wears its 80s paint with pride.

When I first saw this beautiful GP it was being used as a ground anchor to hold down Angus’s tent. It was only when talking to him that it became clear how much he appreciates how nice this GP is; he simply has other ways to enjoy owning it. “Back in 1981 I’d arranged to buy a GP150 but when I went to collect it I saw that the dealer had just taken in this, a two-year-old GP200 and thought it was the better machine,” explained Angus. “The quality of Indian GPs deteriorated badly over time but the early machines were actually very well put together. My engine and frame numbers are only two apart and both come from the first 20 produced. I know that it’s a SIL machine but it’s always felt Italian.”

With 35 years in Angus’ care the scooter has many stories to tell. It’s been to Spain three times and more recently Paddy Smith’s rally in the south of France. But what about the distinctive paint? “Most paint dates from 1985 and was applied by Clive Miles,” said Angus. “We also blended in most of the seams, rear light, horncasting and an extended mudguard. The rear frame was also extended slightly so there’s a built-in mudflap. The choke and petrol tap were also smoothed over which is not something I’d repeat but I’m used to it by now! The quality of the original plating was also exceptional. The workshop was in Plymouth, and closed long ago but the forks and chaincase have barely pitted in all that time.”

Of course no scooter gives its owner a trouble-free life and this one’s no exception “Around three years ago I broke down and the RAC dropped it during the recovery, damaging one side panel. I approached John Spurgeon for a price to put it right but also asked how much it would be to mural both panels. The quote came back identical so the RAC paid for the murals and refresh.”

Angus’ choice of theme is stunningly simple, the Grand Prix Lambretta was designed in the 1960s so the panels depict motor sport in that era. “The left panel features Phil Hill in his shark nose Ferrari 156 whereas the right depicts Wolfgang von Trips before his death in 1961.” When asked why he doesn’t show the scooter, Angus has a simple explanation: “You need a thick skin to show a scooter, people pick up on the smallest details. This is my scooter, if others like it that’s a bonus but whatever anyone else thinks I love it just the way it is.”