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 accessorising and customising the scooters, their essential role in the mod movement, and the revival in Vespa’s fortunes following the release of the cult film Quadrophenia.

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 accessorising and customising the scooters, their essential role in the mod movement, and the revival in Vespa''s fortunes following the release of the cult film Quadrophenia.

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 accessorising and customising the scooters, their essential role in the mod movement, and the revival in Vespa''s fortunes following the release of the cult film Quadrophenia.

The Lambretta started production in 1947 over the next 24 years many models and variations followed. From prototypes to experimental machines, a catalogue of changes were made, many surrounded in mystery. These were hotly debated and discussed by owners and the many loyal Lambretta fans worldwide who, to this day, still talk about what happened, creating huge myths and legends along the way. And it didn’t stop there, with publicity stunts, advertising promotions and daring feats all pushing the boundaries of what the Lambretta stood for. Who created the stories and why has always been subject to rife speculation, further cementing the Lambretta myth.In Lambretta Myths and Legends, Lambretta expert Stuart Owen addresses those questions, solves the outstanding puzzles and lays many of the myths to rest once and for all using evidence unearthed through extensive research. Finally, the truth will be revealed when it comes to Lambretta myths and legends.

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 accessorising and customising the scooters, their essential role in the mod movement, and the revival in Vespa’s fortunes following the release of the cult film Quadrophenia.

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 accessorising and customising the scooters, their essential role in the mod movement, and the revival in Vespa''s fortunes following the release of the cult film Quadrophenia.

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 accessorising and customising the scooters, their essential role in the mod movement, and the revival in Vespa''s fortunes following the release of the cult film Quadrophenia.

The Lambretta started production in 1947 over the next 24 years many models and variations followed. From prototypes to experimental machines, a catalogue of changes were made, many surrounded in mystery. These were hotly debated and discussed by owners and the many loyal Lambretta fans worldwide who, to this day, still talk about what happened, creating huge myths and legends along the way. And it didn’t stop there, with publicity stunts, advertising promotions and daring feats all pushing the boundaries of what the Lambretta stood for. Who created the stories and why has always been subject to rife speculation, further cementing the Lambretta myth.In Lambretta Myths and Legends, Lambretta expert Stuart Owen addresses those questions, solves the outstanding puzzles and lays many of the myths to rest once and for all using evidence unearthed through extensive research. Finally, the truth will be revealed when it comes to Lambretta myths and legends.