Whatever’s comfortable

Back in 2000, I wanted another Lambretta; my first scoot was a Li 150 in 1968. I’ve had seven scoots over the years; my last one was a Pacemaker which I sold to a lad who was wearing a two-tone suit for £40 in 1982. Anyway, I couldn’t believe how much they had gone up in price, £40, I still can’t believe it. I looked at a Li 125, taxed and MOT, £1000, rang them up, and then went to Essex from Notts. When I saw the scoot it had a SX headset, which in the 60s and 70s you didn’t get them on normal Li’s. Bonus, I thought. Didn’t like the rubber floor mats though. Then the dealer told me it was a Spanish import, no rust then. Another bonus. It’s dated 1974, bought it.

Back home I went out with a couple of mates to their scooter club. The scoot got some interest from a group of six or seven lads, one of them said why didn’t I buy a genuine Innocenti Lambretta? You can’t beat Italian, someone else said. It was clear to me they didn’t like it. They walked away thinking I was a k**b. Anyway, today my Li looks nothing like it did when I bought it. The rubber mats, toolbox door, air intake hose and air filter all went in the bin; I gave the carb away. I’ve fitted 30mm Dellorto, new runners and upgraded to 175cc, it goes pretty well. Now sprayed it Nevaux white and blue and it looks Italian too.

Then I saw in Scootering mag, the article about the genuine Jet 200, I couldn’t believe it… that’s how my Serveta looked, without the indicators and rear light though. Why couldn’t you have done that article 10 years ago, it would have saved me a lot of time and money. What I have done to my scooter looks good, but it was all because some ‘second time around Mod scooterist’ going on about Italian is best. To be honest I like my scoot the way it is, and now also… the way it was. Anyway, life goes on, 40 quid! Phil, Notts

Hi Phil, Thanks for the letter, which illustrates a life mantra of mine perfectly, which is… f**k what other people think! Make the style all your own. Regards Dan