Third Time Around
Old scooters don’t retire, they rust away, or if they’re very lucky, they havenewlifebestoweduponthem.
If this wideframe, 1950s Douglas-made Vespa was flesh and blood instead of metal, it could be looking forward to taking it easy in a few months. Just over the horizon, a few months away, this English-made Vespa will celebrate 65 years since rolling off the Kingswood factory production line in Bristol. Jonny Belcher has a liking for 50s styling, design and music, which obviously extends to 50s-made Vespas. “There’s something about the styling of those 50s wideboy Vespas that really appeals,” he says.
One For The Money, Two For The Show
Jonny’s interest in scooters dates back to the mid-80s, though it wasn’t until the tail end of the decade when he got his first scooter, a PK50 XL Vespa, and rode, two-up, to his first rally. “I’ve not been on that many national rallies, I’ve been on more than a few though. Riding abroad to Brittany and Venlo are two of my favourite memories.
“I do quite enjoy local rallies. I quite liked the look of 50s Vespas probably from the first time I saw one. I can’t remember exactly where it was, the scooter that made an impact.
“About 10 years back I got what I call Douggy, because it’s basically a Douglas, as almost a rolling chassis from Wales and a donor 42L2 from Portsmouth for parts. I had a go at building it up, with a bit of help from mates. Working to a bit of a budget, I had two attempts, both times it ran okay and I rode around for a while, but I wasn’t entirely happy. It was a steep learning curve, with me picking up valuable knowledge as well as hands-on experience both times.”
Three to Get Ready...
Third time lucky is a time-honoured phrase, which is entirely apt in respect of Jonny’s 42L2 Douglas Vespa. “Although I did immensely enjoy both the previous times getting it together, and up and running, as well as what I picked up experience-wise too, retrospectively maybe I should have bitten the bullet and gone down the route of doing it how I really wanted the project to end up, which is as it is now, by spending a bit more time and money in the first place. Though it kept me occupied during the lockdown, taking around four months in total from start to finish on my third attempt. For the more specialised work such as paintwork, a few bits of chrome and giving the engine a bit of a tune, I turned to those who specialise in those kinds of jobs. I did as much of the build work as I was capable of myself, getting a bit of expert help from good mates when the odd requirements were beyond me.”
Now Go Man, Go
While the majority of Jonny’s 42L2 Vespa body and panel work was made in Bristol, certain parts proved to be nigh-on impossible to source when needed for the build. For instance, the front mudguard was NOS sourced from some French scooterists that Jonny met in Brittany at a scooter rally there. It was intended originally for an AMCA-made 50s Vespa. The handlebars are Italian, as is the more modern PX kitted engine. Other upgrades came via SIP in Germany – among them were 8in tubeless rims and an 8in rear hub conversion, plus an auxiliary fuel tank, mounted inside the legshields, converted using a fuel pump to act as the main fuel tank. For a full rundown of non-stock items see the scooter spec sheet (facing page). “With various parts and items on my Vespa having been made in different European countries, it’s a bit of a multicultural machine. There were a couple of niggles experienced when getting towards finishing my scooter project. Most annoying being I had a custom-made bespoke wiring loom for it, the engine was running, but for the life of me I couldn’t get the lights to work, whatever I tried. Ricky (Wiltshire) sorted that out for me in practically no time. I’m still bedding in the piston and rings, though the engine pulls well. Handling is as would be expected on a 50s wideboy on 8in wheels, it takes a bit of getting used to at first. All in all, I’m happy with how Douggy has turned out this time – all that’s to add are some miles on the clock.”