What’s New

This month we take a look at a fresh approach to a 1980s iconic Vespa screen.

Armando's take you back to the Eighties

As we look forward optimistically to a better year, and all wish for this present plague to finally get sorted out, at last setting us free to associate with, love and hug each other once again after what has been far too long, I present to you a new piece of kit which harks back to better times.

I'm referring to the happier, carefree times of the 1980s, when all we had to worry about was Aids, political divisions, recession, redundancy, unemployment, riots, strikes and national industrial action. The very real threat that the Russians and Americans would seriously fall out and use Europe as a big sports field in which to play their war games, until the craziest one with the biggest cojones finally pressed the big red ‘end game' button. And of course, most importantly of all, did we have enough brass to get us to the next national scooter rally.

So now I've put things into perspective and cheered everyone up, I'll get on with telling you about this latest item to appeal to the present interest in retro fashion for original and remade 80s Vespa P Range accessories. I find it strange to think of items from my youth as retro, probably as I don't like to admit I'm becoming old; but then again, I never thought I'd be part of a major worldwide historical event that will be studied, discussed and argued about for decades after I am gone; but hey ho, it is what it is, as they say!

This iconic 80s item is latest version of the famous ‘driver' style screen which has been commissioned by Armando's Scooters of Sheffield, the masters of 1980s Vespa P Range cool and builders of probably the first, but definitely the most famous P Range dealer enhanced machines – the Armando's Specials – a new style of Vespa that was visually exciting and mechanically enhanced. It took our breath away in the 80s, but still looks just as good and fresh today.

Armando's are still producing these scooters and they've been replicated by many over the years.

THE DRIVER SCREEN

This bang-up-to-date version of the classic driver screen is of steel construction with a fabricated steel main body, steel slats for the headlight hole and a fixed drinks/ash/coin/ keys useless, but true to the original, tray, and comes with a Perspex screen.

According to the information I was given, the screen is supplied with fixed mounting brackets and is a strong and durable item that has been tested for use and for a perfect fit. Two versions are available; one for the standard early P Range machines with cable-operated front brake; and the cut version which has been suitably adapted to accommodate the later PX disc model or a modified headset that has the hydraulic master cylinder fitted.

The screens are priced at £250 plus postage and are available from stock either from Armando's Scooters (sales@ armandosscooters.com) or Joeysspeedshop. com