To restore… or preserve?

Hi Scootering, After a chance conversation on a plane with the guy sitting next to me when he spotted my Scootering magazine he asked the question every scooterist enthusiast dreams about: “Mind if I ask you a question? Would you be interested in a 1957 Vespa Douglas that’s been sitting in my garage for over 40 years, I want rid of it as need the space?” Apparently it was his father-in-law’s scooter from new and sadly he had long since passed away.

They even had photos of the gentleman sitting on the scooter in the exact same spot that it was in as I looked at it. I arranged to see the scoot a few weeks later and was chuffed to buy it for an absolute bargain of £500 as it was solid 152L2 along with two spare exact model engines in various states of assembly, two spare side panels, two headsets, two petrol tanks and lots of NOS bits and bobs all stamped with Vespa Douglas in old oily crates.

BUT... that’s when the dilemma started, one which now torments me at every opportunity both day and night. The question of – what now?

Any kind of restoration or mechanical wizardry would be well above my range of capability so it will simply have to go to either a mechanic or restorer to be made sound again but to what level? Most people I have spoken to about it appear as mixed up as I am and are horrified that I would destroy the existing patina and say it’s only original once – restore it and it’s gone forever. On the other hand just as many people are saying it would be an investment to restore fully and have it as it was the day it rolled off of the production line in Bristol in the 50s.

Now my dream of a barn find/survivor bubble is completely burst. I can only say be careful what you wish for. Maybe you guys can come up with some more sensible reasoning to help me decide what to do. Would I be a criminal to destroy the patina? Is it an investment to spend £3500 (est) getting a full restoration (meaning I would then have put £4000 into the scoot)? Maybe I’m too out of touch with the scootering world these days to know such things and should have just stuck with the Lammy in my garage for reliving past memories but I actually love the shape of the large frame retro Vespas so much that I am hoping to put this scooter in my house and just admire it when I need my spirits lifted.

But will it be restored – or unrestored when it is bumped over the doorstop? Please help me decide... I’m not a bad person (honest) and I just want what’s best for both my bank account and my new scooter. What’s your thoughts? G R Valentine

Hi Mr Valentine, My opinion is that when patina is ‘rescue-able’ then it is wise to maintain the original condition for as long as you can. There are plenty of scooters out there which are fit to be scrapped... those are the ones which should be painted/ restored/customised etc... to basically ‘save’ another scooter. Your scooter however, simply wants T-cutting, polishing, and waxing! Certainly the engine, steering, brakes and suspension will want some attention to bring them up to safe and reliable standards... the bodywork on yours however looks beautiful. But at the end of the day, while in the eyes of many it may well be a crime to ‘restore’ it (and I would agree with that sentiment) it is however.... your choice! Choose wisely :) Regards, Dan