Dave’s Nostalgic Custom Corner

Lads in snide Gucci sweaters and chicks riding on the back of Yamaha Genesis FZR1000s. If those two images don’t scream 80s, nothing does…

This month it’s The Genesis Racer (that’s a Yamaha Genesis… not Phil Collins).

Welcome to another blast down memory lane, well in this case the A-roads. This month a stunning street-racer from Aylesbury comes under the spotlight. Ever since people have been personalising their rides, street-racers have been possibly the most common form of transformation seen at rallies and custom shows. Paint and subject inspiration can come from a multitude of arenas, from condoms to chocolate! Now, for me, Lambrettas are the height of Italian chic, so what more apt as a base subject than another romantic big hitter, the world-renowned fashion house Gucci.

By the late 80s it became possible to buy a brand new scooter from a dealer and have it pre-customised to your requirements, and this is exactly what happened on this occasion. Original builder Darren King (who also brought us One Track Mind) took his idea to AF Rayspeed in 1988. After purchasing a brand new Indian GP200 he got them to apply his concept. His brother had a Yamaha Genesis FZR1000 and he liked the livery so much he redesigned the patriotic block-work to fit a Lambretta shell. Sadly soon after its debut it was involved in an accident at Margate scooter rally. However this did not deter Darren and he soon had it back to ‘full health’ after a visit to scooter paint specialist Ian King (no relation) at JGS Customising, who tweaked the design to what you now see here. It was sold on in 1993 and finally ended up in the hands of latest owner Martin 12 years ago.

Sadly soon after its debut it was involved in an accident at Margate scooter rally.