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.

An in-depth look at one of the world’s greatest scooter marques, including detailed information on the main Italian-built models, the Lambretta Concessionaires machines and British dealer specials.

The LI series Lambrettas are the machines, in bright colours and with shining chrome, that people of a certain age remember affectionately from their youth.

Publisher description

At last! A year-on-year account of the Isle of Man International Scooter Rally, including competitors and organiser's personal experiences, and the controversies and difficulties experienced by the Rally Committee in what became a remarkable, 20-year chapter in the history of scootering sport. Events included endurance and navigational trials, hill climbs, scrambling, gymkhana competitions, circuit and closed road racing, assembly rallies and sand racing. Supported by 180 images from the period.

Dick Hebdige looks at the creation and consumption of objects and images as diverse as fashion and documentary photographs, 1950's streamlined cars, Italian motor scooters, 1980's 'style manuals', Biff cartoons, the Band Aid campaign, Pop Art and promotional music videos. He assesses their broad cultural significance and charts their impact on contemporary popular tastes.