Bøker av Stuart Owen

oung scooter owners of the 1960s had a seemingly insatiable appetite for speed and power. Shops appeared offering performance tuning services for the first time and a new era of scootering dawned. The scene went underground in the 1970s but the release of Quadrophenia inspired a new wave of devotees going into the 1980s. The introduction of the TS1 cylinder kit for the Lambretta and the T5 Vespa by Piaggio took the tuning scene in a new direction. Now the pure Lambretta and Vespa street racer came to the forefront. Owners blew huge budgets and their stunning creations took these machines to a new level. Today the Lambretta and Vespa Street racer scene continues to thrive. Author Stuart Owen traces the development of Lambretta and Vespa tuning down the decades using dozens of rare period images and highlighting every significant technological milestone along the way.

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.

Like anyone who wishes to enter the world of motorsport, for the majority, it remains a dream, making it happen an almost unenviable task. Even harder is to do it with the most unorthodox machine there is and changing it into a racing thoroughbred. Precisely that happened here, taking the humble Italian Lambretta and achieving the almost unthinkable, not only beating motorcycles but going on to win prestigious titles in the process. Risking life and limb and facing a huge uphill challenge to be accepted, the odds seemed firmly stacked against it happening. However, a dedicated team of individuals was determined to do so and, in the process, created a motorsport story the likes of which had never been seen or heard of before. Remove Before Flight exposes how it happened and proves that even the seemingly impossible can become reality.

Restoring a Lambretta is a huge challenge to take on but one that can be very rewarding at the same time. Regardless of the condition of the machine, there are several key stages required to carry out the work in full. From the initial process of stripping down and dry building followed by the full engine and bodywork rebuild up to completion. This guide has been produced from over 35 years of experience and explains each stage and the techniques required to carry out each process along the way. Helping the owner achieve their goal of completing a full Lambretta restoration. The following chapters are includedCHAPTER 1 - THE ENGINE REBUILD CHAPTER 2 - REBUILD FIRST STAGE CHAPTER 3 - REBUILD SECOND STAGE CHAPTER 4 - REBUILD THIRD STAGE CHAPTER 5 - CHECKING OVER AND TEST RIDING CHAPTER 6 - FINISHING OFF

In the early 1960s Innocenti introduced the series three Slimstyle Lambretta with its stunning looks, and innovative engineering making it a world leader. The TV 175 was seen as the pinnacle of that design and in no way could it be bettered, but some thought different. The motorway age had dawned meaning vehicles with greater power and speed were now in vogue but could this include the Lambretta. Despite a reluctance to join the race Innocenti finally gave in when in 1963 they produced the TV 200 the most powerful Lambretta to date. Throughout the rest of the decade, the 200cc Lambretta continued to evolve through the SX and GP models creating an ever-lasting legacy. For the first time all three models the TV 200, SX 200, and GP 200 are thoroughly examined and compared against each other Contents included: The full history of each model: Technical analysis: Transition and crossover details: Performance comparison

Introduced to Britain in the late 1940s, the Lambretta was an unknown quantity, with most critics labelling it as a quick fad. There were those who thought different and, despite early struggles, slowly but surely, began to make it a success. By 1960, the machine from Milan had become the biggest two-wheeled selling vehicle in the country. It didn't stop there; no longer was it just a means of transport as a vast owner's club grew to make the Lambretta a lifestyle choice. None of it could have happened without a dedicated group of individuals who were determined to succeed while at the same time allowing the company that sold it to create a huge empire. From building racing cars with Bruce McLaren and venturing into formula one. To making Suzuki GB the leading motorcycle manufacturer in Britain with a successful racing team that moulded Barry Sheene into a future world champion. The Lambretta was a machine like no other and was responsible in many ways for changing the automotive industry in Britain. Those that made it happen for the first time tell their story of how it all came about, the success, the failures, and the controversy; they are the Lambretta people.

The Grand Prix was the final series of Lambretta scooters to be built. Launched in 1969 it was based around the restyling of the SX model with the transformation being carried out by Italian designer Bertone. Offered in three different choices and a striking new colour scheme it became an instant hit with customers. The Grand Prix 200 was fitted with the most powerful engine Innocenti ever produced and was capable of 70mph, thus labelling it the ultimate sports scooter.

The Lambretta TV 175 and TV 200 series three were seen as the natural evolution of the Slimstyle series which had been introduced in late 1961. The TV 175 was regarded as the pinnacle of Lambretta engineering and design by Innocenti, that was challenged by Lambretta Concessionaires and in particular, Peter Agg who felt it could be taken further. This eventually led to the creation of the TV 200 and in doing so changed Lambretta production forever.

Launched at the peak of Lambretta production in 1959 the series two was an overwhelming success in terms of both popularity and sales. All three models the Li 125, Li 150 and TV 175 had their own unique attributes making them appealing to customers worldwide. Variations such as the Rallymaster taking the Lambretta concept in a new direction and proving how versatile the series two was. With more than 300,000 built in a little over two years, it was regarded as Innocenti's finest moment.

The LD had been a huge success for Innocenti but to progress further with the Lambretta it needed to be radically developed. That happened with the introduction of three new models the first of which was the TV 175 launched in 1957, quickly followed by the Li 125 and li150. They were completely different from any previous Lambretta designs and in the TV 175 the most powerful machine the company had ever built. The new shape and design were an instant hit as they sold in their tens of thousands and made the Lambretta the number one choice when it came to motor scooters. With its bigger wheel size, lower centre of gravity, and four-speed engine it was a design masterclass. There is no doubt all three models paved the way for future domination by Innocenti and their importance in the Lambretta story should never be forgotten.