November 2011 Archives
Walt Disney's Goofy riding a scooter, by Marx toys (circa 1970).
Lambretta LD ad from 1955
Art by Mark Handforth. Via: Hammer.
This is a real for sale ad. Not a joke. Just to preserve this gem for posterity, I give you the ad text...
Up for sale is a 1958 Vespa project scooter round tail. The frame has been cut in half by a previous owner. I have no idea why they did it. The frame can be welded back together. Comes with headset bottom (do not have the top), fork, and front fender. I also have a Vespa motor or two that can go with the bike. Motors aren't complete, but can be pieced together for a complete one. I am selling several other Vespa projects. Buy them all or more than one and I will cut you a deal. Not interested in trades.
"I will cut you a deal"... get it? Oh man, this is awesome! Anyone who buys this and tries to weld it should send me pictures. Also, let me take a life insurance policy out on you first, ok?
Herman overland trip to India. This shot was taken near the Pakistan border in Oct 59.
Let's say, for sake of argument, that you like scooters. Let's also assume that you enjoy a slice of pizza now and again. Check, and check. Ok. So really, what you need is a pizza cutter in the shape of a P-series Vespa. Yes. Yes, you do.
Sadly, this is not available in the U.S. However, our UK readers can hop on over to the Dwell website and pick one up for your next pizza party.
(October 1958) "A three-wheel convertible passenger vehicle, which deivers over 75 miles per gallon of gas, the Lambretta "Surrey" has just been introduced into the country by the Innocenti Corp., 45 Columbus Ave., New York City, distributor of the Itailan-made Lambretta motor scooters and commercial utility vehicles. Built upon the same rugged chassis that supports the popular three-wheel Lambretta commercial vehicles and powered by the same 150cc two-cycle engine, the new Lambretta "Surrey" is equipped with a beutifully designed body built by Ghia, the famous Itlian custum automobile body manufacturer. Although intended primarily for use at resorts, airports, amusement centers and other places where pleasnt short-haul transportation is required, the new Lambretta "Surreys" have already been adopted by several golf clubs as golf carts."
1950's Hong Kong movie star Mai Ling with her scooter. I have no idea what kind of scooter this is. Any guesses?
Via Softfilm
11/02/11 Update: My good friend Andrew took one look at this magazine cover, and his eye was drawn not to the Doris Day look-alike... oh no, it was to the BUS in the background! Hah! He thinks the bus may have been made by Alfa Romeo. You see, Andrew is an Alfa Romeo guru, and helped me immesurably in buying my own Alfa. He forwarded on two old Alfa Romeo bus brochures. All of you fans of fast cars and stylish public transportation - rejoice. The brochures are available below the fold...
(1971)