DEALER S P E CI ALS
The two decades when scooters were at their height of popularity in the UK were the ’60s and ’80s. During both decades, and in a bid to attract trade, a number of entrepreneurial dealerships offered an enhanced, extra-special take on the stock machines offered elsewhere. Generally speaking, this consisted of a bespoke, two-colour paint design. Other optional additions were aimed at the more affluent customer. Inevitably, a choice of aftermarket bolt-on goodies were made available to suit customer requirements.
Popular extras included dual seats, rear and/or front carriers, flyscreens, and even spotlights mounted on leg shields. Some Dealer Specials additionally offered some mild engine tuning. These consisted of not much more than an aftermarket exhaust with a different carburettor to the standard one fitted, and perhaps a 12volt conversion to the ignition/lighting system.
Arguably, the first to popularise Dealer Specials scooters was Andre Baldet, an ex-pat Frenchman who was based in Northamptonshire. As well as having built a reputation for carrying out all manner of exploits whilst riding Vespas, Baldet also created his Arc en Ciel. It was based on a GS 150 Vespa, with a livery which enhanced those smooth curves of body and panel work. South-London based Eddie Grimstead introduced his ‘Hurricane’, based on an SS180 Vespa, with its own striking paint combination, which accentuated the scooter’s body and panelwork. These days it is viewed with almost similar reverence to that of religious artefacts. Grimstead Hurricanes, were also offered with an optional 200cc overbored cylinder and sports exhaust.
In Watford, the Arthur Francis S-Type Lambretta was at least part based on the Team S Equipe competition scooters ridden by brothers John and Norman Ronald, along with Nev Frost. Nev began at Supertune with Ron Moss, (who offered the Supertune Dealer Special), before moving employment to Arthur Francis in ’65/’66. Early Arthur Francis S- types had two-colour livery, the second colour having been added to the basic white of standard Lambrettas of the time. S-Types also came with a tuned engine, 12-volt conversion and additional Lucas spotlights mounted on the legshields.
Arthur Francis S-Type Lambrettas became much in demand after winning Team S-Equipe 1st, 2nd and 3rd places at the Isle of Man Scooter Week '68. Unlike some Dealer Specials, the Arthur Francis S-type has been available, since the ’60s, having evolved over time. Arthur Francis's apprentice, Ray Kemp, took over the outlet, and eventually relocated to Yorkshire in the very early ’80s. Similar to the Grimstead Imperial Lambretta, during the ’60s an S-Type Vespa was also offered. Ray Kemp recalls a few S-Type Vespas having being produced and sold by Arthur in Watford.
Armados Vespa Specials were introduced
during the ’80s, and included distinctive paintwork and aftermarket extras, plus engine upgrades using Pinasco items. The top-of-the-range ’80s version included a twin carburettor setup.
Armandos still offer their Specials today, with in the region of 200 Armados Specials having been made since ’81.
There were many other Dealer Specials available aside from those well-known names detailed here, and which could be perceived as early versions of street racers. Authenticating genuine Dealer Specials isn’t so straightforward. A meticulous period replica, with an age-related number plate from the correct time, could be taken as genuine, whether it is or not. Though mythical Dealer Specials such as the Grimstead Imperial or the S-Type Vespa were advertised and offered for sale, the question remains as to how many, if any, still exist today?