Vespa 49 0

A rare Anglo Italian initiative

Like it or not (and here I look towards the Lambretta enthusiasts especially!) this very scooter and its limited number of siblings are the genesis of Britain’s scootering scene.

See the light

After WW2 Bristol’s Douglas Motorcycles were looking at a way to bolster the coffers. In fact, despite a good reputation as a foundry as well as for motorcycle production, their two-wheeled products were somewhat dated and the company was in receivership.

The story goes that while on holiday in Italy, Douglas’ MD Claude McCormack saw his first Vespa and identified a market that his ailing motorcycle company had potential to develop.

Much more in the current issue of Scootering Magazine.