THE ARMANDO’S VESPA SPECIALS
Most scooterists, particularly those around in the 1980s, first heard of Armando’s as a result of their distinctive range of specials. Giulio explained to Scootering how they originated: “We’d dealt with Pinasco since 1981 and their kits were both popular and reliable. At an early stage we decided to stick with one brand of tuning equipment. By doing that we became very familiar with the product and how to get the best out of it. It also means that we can afford to keep a range of spares in stock. Becoming a specialist is very much in the customer’s interest.
“We were doing very well with Pinasco but there was a big gap in their range as they had nothing for the 200cc engine. All that changed in 1983 when we visited the Milan Motor Show to find that they’d launched the barrel and crank kit we’d been waiting for. We bought it on the spot and when we got home pulled a brand new P200E out of the showroom. As we were fitting it a lad from Guildford rang to ask if we’d got a 200cc kit. We explained that we were just fitting one and he bought it unseen there and then!”
The specials are famed as much for their paintwork as performance but it’s not widely known how the paint scheme was developed. “There have been a number of variations over the years” said Giuilio “However they’re all based on an original design by Maca at Down Town Custom. He was the obvious choice when we produced the first specials and although we’ve used several painters over the years it’s a great testament to Maca that his concept looks as fresh today as it did back then.”
Armando’s are still producing specials to order with the specification varying with customer requirements. With some of the very last remaining factory produced PX200 engines in stock Giulio says that they can mate these to a new PX125 and create a brand new machine or alternatively a refurbished one provided by the customer. “Over the years we’ve produced around 200 specials and I doubt that two are the same, although they are all based on Pinasco equipment,” he says. “The 80s accessories are becoming harder to find but if you’re serious come and talk to us, we may be able to help.”