Two pristine vintage Italian scooters which have been gathering dust in a South Derbyshire garage are expected to spark international interest when they go under the hammer next eek (Feb 22).
The 1961 Lambretta and 1982 Vespa, which belong to Swadlincote’s Bill Beaumont, are serious collectors’ items and worth many thousands of pounds – but he simply can’t ride them anymore due to ill health.
They are due to be sold at Hansons Auctioneers, Heage Lane, Etwall, on February 22 in a 20th Century Design Auction and, together, could make in excess of £15,000.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “Everyone wants these scooters – including me. They are iconic machines, lovingly cherished and in perfect condition. From the moment they arrived in our saleroom, they turned heads. I don’t think a super model could have caused as much as a stir as these super models. I’m expecting international interest.”
Mr Beaumont, 48, used to work in the building trade but osteoarthritis has brought his working life – and scooter riding days – to a halt.
He said: “I was diagnosed with arthritis in my spine about 10 years ago and it’s gradually got worse. I love the scooters but I just can’t ride them anymore. They’ve been sitting in the garage for months doing nothing.
“I’ve had lots of motorbikes over the years and a classic Mini, which I restored. The scooters used to belong to a friend who sadly passed away two years ago. He always wanted me to have them.
“These are showpiece objects. They deserve to be in a collector’s garage next to a Ferrari. They are in perfect condition. Everything on the Lambretta is original. The chance to buy scooters like this don’t come often.”
The scooters have been lavished with care. The 1961 Lambretta TV175 (lot 185) has an estimate of £8,000-£10,000 and 35,000 on the clock, though Mr Beaumont is unsure whether that’s miles or kilometres. The 1982 Vespa Douglas (lot 188) has under 20 miles on the clock and has an estimate of £3,000-£4,000.
The scooters will be sold on February 22 at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire. To find out more, email Andy Green, head of Hansons’ 20th Century Design and Decorative Arts department: [email protected]. To browse the catalogue, visit: www.the-saleroom.com. To place an advance bid, email [email protected] or call 01283 733988.
