In this stunning Lambretta, Geoff Marsh has simultaneously paid homage to local scooter history and created a custom classic.
Words: Stuart Owen Images: Gary Chapman/Geoff Marsh
Many of us are obsessed with classic scooters from the past, and often we’ve seen faithful recreations that do the original justice. But sometimes, the love of a specific scooter goes beyond mere nostalgia and becomes an affair of the heart. Back in the 1980s, Torque of the Town was a custom Lambretta that was well regarded in its birthplace of Darlington. So much so that years later, a tribute machine was built in its honour, and that’s how this creation you see in front of you began its life. What we have here is a reworking of a tribute to a long-lost original. Don’t worry, all will be explained…
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Impressions
For Geoff Marsh, like many, it was the usual Who Films initiation of 1979 that got him involved in the scooter scene. A Vespa PX 125 would be his first mode of scooter transport, but soon the Lambretta would make an everlasting impression on him. One such machine stood out in his hometown of Darlington; a green and white GP with the inscription Torque of the Town on the side panels.
Its design was striking but not over the top, and featured the speed block and angled stripe design that has become legendary among Lambretta enthusiasts. Unfortunately, it was stolen and then burnt out, only leaving a memory of what had been – but it remained a scooter that Geoff and others would never forget.
Years later, homage was paid to it thanks to Anthony Latcham, who created a fitting tribute; a sort of Torque of the Town, second edition. Anthony is a good friend of Geoff’s and before long, Geoff enquired about purchasing it from him.
A little arm-twisting later, the deal was done, allowing Geoff to keep the legacy of a local Lambretta going.
Chipped
In its new owner’s hands, Torque of the Town 2 wasn’t mollycoddled; Geoff is a man who rides daily and that use slowly took its toll on the paintwork. There wasn’t any rust or major damage, just a few stone chips and general marks that required sorting. Realising it needed a bit of an overhaul, Geoff farmed the panels out to Peter Gavey to be retouched, but it was a struggle to match the paint and Peter suggested respraying the whole bodywork would be the better option.
They soon agreed and with the caveat that so long as Peter kept the name on the panels, he was given a free hand to do what he wanted. Being the artist he is and bearing in mind that green was the preferred choice he began to work on the Mk 2 version of the second edition of Torque of the Town. Version 2.2 if you prefer… Having trusted Peter to do a good job, Geoff handed everything over, accepting that he wouldn’t see it again until the paint was laid down. When he saw the final result, he was in complete awe; the transformation was sublime.
Colour block
The Lambretta that Geoff handed over was predominantly white, green and black in appearance, and it still is, but in such a different way that the transformation is astounding. Green is now the base colour instead of the original white, while black and white are now used to create block patterns throughout the entire bodywork. The green base is cleverly shaded from dark to light, which gives the effect of using different colours when, in fact, only one is used.
For each panel and body part, black squared-off blocks are used to create an outline, followed by a white pinstripe insert angled on its edges. On the inside of them the black slowly fades, and inside the blocks is the green base, which also fades towards the centre.
The iconic Torque Of The Town name is positioned in the centre of the faded green area with ‘Torque’ and ‘Town’ spelt out in capital letters and ‘Of The’ both now starting with capitals. Add in script badges on the front legshields and the Lambretta logo on the side panel grilles and the transformation is complete. Even the hubs have had the same green and black scheme treatment, with the remaining running gear painted silver to offset it. The result is a retro throwback scheme to the 70s/80s, but one that also looks modern, and that’s what is so clever about it.
Enough is enough
By today’s standards, the engine department is relatively tame, using the tried and tested TS1 accompanied by a JL4 exhaust. Geoff uses this as a regular commuting machine, and while more power is essential, the TS1 provides that without sacrificing reliability in the process. He is more than happy with its performance, which is enough for him, and that’s what matters most. In fact, under the panels, it’s a basic layout, just a long-range tank to extend the range, showing that it’s what’s on the outside that’s important.
Blending in
On the outside, the seat is beautifully crafted by Scoots and Soul in a matt finish with green piping complementing the paintwork. With the addition of a black satin-finished sprint rack, these essential components blend in with the paint scheme rather than overtake it, which can often be the case. There is the odd hint of modern technology with the SIP speedo, Trail Tech temperature gauge and thumb choke, but they almost hide in the background. There is also a distinct lack of chrome or extra fancy touches often seen on custom builds, but that is a good thing because this one doesn’t need them.
In creating Torque Of The Town, Geoff and everyone involved should be applauded for creating something different. Only positive comments have been received to this latest incarnation of a much-loved machine, and rightly so. The secret is the paint scheme because that is what drives its vision, and it doesn’t require anything else to pull it off. Perhaps this is the way forward on full-bodied custom Lambretta builds; let the paint do the talking. After all, it’s a recipe for success that spans the decades.
Owner details:
Name: Geoff Marsh.
Scooter club & town: Two+Two Scooter Crew, County Durham.
What was your first scooter and how did you first become interested in them: Through the film Quadrophenia, my first scooter was a Vespa PX 125.
Any interesting or funny scooter stories: Going to Scarborough rally one year and had to use my bootlace to keep carb rubber on.
If you had to recommend one scooter part or item of riding kit what would it be: Carb rubber, ha ha…
Your favourite custom scooter of all time: Sting’s GS in the film.
What is your favourite scooter model: Lambretta GP.
What is your favourite style of custom scooter: Street racer.
Scooter specifications:
Name of scooter: Torque Of The Town; a Darlington scooter from back in the day.
Scooter model: Lambretta GP.
Time to build & by who: Four months by Col Bradley.
Engine spec:
Kit: TS1 225.
Carb: 30mm Dell’Orto.
Exhaust: JL4 race pipe.
What’s it like to ride: Excellent!
Frame spec:
Paintwork & murals by: Peter Gavey.
Seat by: Scoots and Soul.
Are there are any specialised parts: Varitronic ignition, front disc brake, thumb choke.
What was the hardest part of the project: I’m a farmer, so having to part with cash!
Do you have any advice or tech tips for anyone starting a project: Buy cheap, buy twice.
Is there anyone you wish to thank: Peter Gavey for his brilliant art work, Col Bradley for doing the rebuild and Anth ‘Latchy’ Latcham for letting me buy it from him and looking after the engine for me.
