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Vespa and Lambretta Motor Scooters (Shire Library) Paperback – March 19, 2019

by Stuart Owen (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 124 ratings
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Vespa and Lambretta remain the two most iconic motor scooter brands, even four decades after the latter's demise. But what made them such a European sensation in the postwar era? And why were they particularly popular in Britain in the 1950s and '60s? Motor scooter expert Stuart Owen explains the rise of Innocenti's Lambretta and Piaggio's Vespa, from the wartime ruins of Italy, through years of plenty as the two manufacturers exploited a ready market for affordable, economic transport, and then their decline into more uncertain times as motor cars trespassed on their success. He also explores the rich history of accessorizing and customizing the scooters, their essential role in the mod movement, and the revival in Vespa's fortunes following the release of the cult film Quadrophenia.
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  1. Part of series
    Shire Library
  2. Print length
    64 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Shire Publications
  5. Publication date
    March 19, 2019
  6. Dimensions
    6.31 x 0.21 x 8.17 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    1784423149
  8. ISBN-13
    978-1784423148
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Stuart Owen has written more than two hundred regular features for Scootering Magazine and in 2017 he published his first book on the history of the Lambretta. He has been involved in the scooter industry for more than 30 years, owning both Lambrettas and Vespas and running a business to cater for them.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shire Publications (March 19, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 64 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1784423149
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1784423148
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.31 x 0.21 x 8.17 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 124 ratings

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
124 global ratings

Top review from the United States

David Cammack
1.0 out of 5 stars Waste of money
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2020
Verified Purchase
Boring.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Carol Weatherall
5.0 out of 5 stars Ideal present for scooter fan
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 2, 2024
Verified Purchase
Well written and interesting
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Ricardorusso
5.0 out of 5 stars Top
Reviewed in Spain on June 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
Envio rápido e exelente recondicionamento no envio....
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Wade
5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 24, 2023
Verified Purchase
Very informative book on the history of these two iconic brands.
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Mr A C Kilpatrick
4.0 out of 5 stars A good read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 2, 2020
Verified Purchase
Interesting book about a real part of our lives both past and present. Could put you in the mood for one though!
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James @ DIY
5.0 out of 5 stars Lambretta Romance
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 23, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is a GREAT book to read- can’t put it down- I was back there in the 60’s - lovin it- Now looking for an Li125- taking time back 😎
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