WOMAN & MACHINE
Owner: Paula Rae Town: Cambridge Club: Female Scooterists - “We’ve 492 owner-riders and counting!” Favourite story: The day after the Rally left the workshop I rode to Mersea and won best Vespa Restoration.
Scooter: Vespa Rally 200 (1973) Engine: Standard Exhaust: SIP Road 2 Paint: Tim Houghton, Totally Unstable SC Powder Coat: Steve Cam, Breckland Buccaneers SC Seat: Didiere Memand, a saddler from Normandy Thanks to: Viv McCann, Tim, Steve and all my scootering friends that made this dream come true
Having explained what I’d got myself into, we came up with a plan. If I worked in the shop for a day a week, booking MOTs, answering the phone and generally helping out, he’d supervise me in the workshop and loan me all the tools I needed.” Paula paused before laughing, and then added: “Visitors to the workshop know that Viv rescued a Rook that couldn’t fly. Known as ‘Trevor’, it’s a friendly, noisy and messy member of the team. Thanks to Trevor, I can say that I literally shovelled shit as my part of the bargain!”
Born Again
True to his word, Viv oversaw every part of the build, but as Paula’s proud to point out, there’s not a single nut, bolt or screw that hasn’t passed through her hands. “Without Viv’s kindness, patience and expertise I wouldn't have the Rally at all. He put up with a million questions and when I struggled he was there checking and correcting as we went along. On especially tricky bits I watched as he explained what he was doing at every stage. The only part of the scooter I haven't been involved in is the barrel. Viv refused to let me have a go at boring it. Some things are best left to the professionals! I even persuaded the vapour blasting man to let me begin cleaning the engine casings.”
The result of all this labour is a Rally that’s quite simply stunning. Although it’s predominantly original, including the Femsatronic ignition, purists will note that it’s far from concourse and that’s intentional. “I wanted a scooter that could be ridden without worrying about every scratch,” said Paula. As for its previous owner, John couldn’t be happier. “It was a very difficult decision to part with the Rally as it was a reminder of some very happy times. I was pleased to see it go to an enthusiast, however, and am amazed at the outcome.”
In Paula’s hands the Rally remains much loved and the next chapter in its story is already planned. “I lived in Normandy for quite some time and this summer I’m going to revisit some of my favourite spots. I can’t think of a better way to travel than on a Rally, especially one with such a special place in people’s hearts.”
Words: Stan Photographs: Gary Chapman