MAN & MACHINE

Name: Bernard Lawlor Job: Retired (HGV driver). Scooter club & town: Mansfield Roadrunners SC. How and when did you first become interested in scooters: In the late 1950s as a teenager I was living near Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire and I used to watch the Royal Signals’ motorcycle display team practicing and performing. They had a particularly skilful one involving scooters and I’ve been interested ever since. Your first scooter: Vespa 152L2 (125). Favourite style of custom scooter: Classic. It has to be out of the 1960s and it definitely has to be a Vespa! First rally or event: Alfreton gymkhana 1963. Funniest experience with a scooter: Where Audrey left me standing in the middle of the road with my right arm extended signalling right!

Favourite Scootering magazine feature: I enjoy most articles; in particular I like the Mailbox/Letters section and I like it when some of the old pictures are sent in from way back. Most useless part you’ve ever bought for a scooter: Handlebar tassels. I bought them in the 1960s, they looked bloody stupid but even now in 2018 I’ve still got them on my scooter! They’re practically antiques!

Scooter model: Vespa GS 150 (1959) Inspiration for scooter: I’ve always wanted a Vespa GS 150 since I started scootering in 1961. Any specialised parts or frame mods: Slight sub-frame modification to fit the P-Range 150 engine Engine spec: Standard P-range 150 (Electronic ignition) Describe engine performance, power delivery and scooter handling: It’s standard, it doesn’t go fast and doesn’t stop very quickly either! Is the scooter reliable: Yes, but only when you don’t forget to turn the petrol tap on! Is there anyone you wish to thank: Damian Wass of Chequered Past (for his help and support with the engine replacement).