UPDATED 22 May 2024: OK, I’ll admit straightaway that I cannot see how the auctioneer’s estimate of £22,000 to £24,000 for this 1965 Lambretta GT200 scooter can possibly be right. I mean, look at it.
But its condition as raced in Isle of Man speed trials is the selling point, according to the blurb attached to this lot which comes up for sale at H&H Classic Motorcycles and Scooters Auction at the National Motorcycle Museum on Wednesday, 12 July 2023.
At least it’s a runner, after some recent conservation work by specialists Disco Dez Scooters. It does have some modifications made for racing and it’s unregistered but there is a full set of original keys.
According to the auctioneer, this GT200 belonged to Mr. A. J. Kaye of London from new until 2022. He campaigned it at the Isle of Man Scooter Holiday Week each year from 1965 to 1969, also also at Brands Hatch and Snetterton events.
The Lambretta then seems to have been put away and remained undiscovered until he died when it was offered to a house clearance company.
Pictures (see below) are available showing Mr Kaye racing on the island. His participation is also mentioned in various race programmes.
The scooter’s many stickers and badges also tell a tale. It appears Mr Kaye was a member of both BLOA, the original British Lambretta Owners Association, and LASCA, the London Area Scooter Clubs Association and attended the International Southend Lambretta Rally in 1967.
Originally white, the scooter was repainted maroon early in its life with its plethora of stickers being applied thereafter. The registration number ‘HGY 310C’ was issued in the Croydon area where Lambretta Concessionaires were based.
The scooter has a rare 12-volt electrical system with the main battery positioned in the under-seat toolbox. The toolbox itself has been hard wired onto the frame (i.e no rubber) for earthing purposes.
There is a Smiths amp meter and 12v Carrello main spotlight for night racing. The scooter when found had an elaborate map reading console created using the original top of the headset fitting and a number of lights on it for night vision.
The scooter has been the subject of a complete ‘nut and bolt’ conservation for a client at Disco Dez Scooters. Some used parts were sourced but only if necessary. The engine is completely original as a TV200 with the same piston returned back into the original cylinder albeit with new rings and a slight oversize rebore.
The original crankshaft was put back with new bearings and it was noted that the gears are the original standard with standard clutch. There did not appear to be any tuning done save possibly a slightly jetted air intake.
“It is very rare for this kind of scooter to come onto the market,” said the auctioneer.
“A GT200 in highly original condition, we expect there to be plenty of interest in ‘HGY 310C’ just as there would have been when it was new.”
1965 Lambretta GT200