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Posted by Editor on 22nd August 2012 at 05:27 PM Video: Rare and unique scooters in Salford
By Tony Flynn
Video by Jamie Carruthers
Scooters still enjoy a good following in Salford, but an unusual brand has found its way to one Eccles workshop.
The classic Lambretta or Vespa models which were the favourites of the 60s mods are still the most popular models, but scooter enthusiast Eddie Weeks now restores ones you may never have heard of: I give you the Zundapp Bella and the Maicolleta.
These scooters which were all built in West Germany and date from 1955-59.
Eddie got into the scooters after his son Frazer picked up a Honda scooter aged 16 and urged his father to do the same. Eddie remarked that they were "all bits of plastic" and nothing like the scooters that he rode as a young man, the Zundapps.
They set about tracking down these "rusted sheds", finding many in very poor condition, restoring them together in their garage.
Oasis featured a R200 Zundapp Bella on the front cover of their 1997 album Be Here Now; Frazer has an identical two-seater model, of which there are only 15 in the entire country, valued at around £3,000.
He admits that they are not the easiest of scooters to ride and would not win any land speed records but they certainly gain admiring looks from the general public when they exhibit at shows.
Eddie is more stoic and says that comparing Vespas and Lambrettas to his beloved Zundapps and Maticolletta is like comparing a Ford car with a Mercedes Benz.
If you are interested in these scooters you can see more on display at Elm Cottage Touring Park, Winsford on August 31st - September 2nd at the Vintage Scooter Society annual show.
Failing that, keep an eye open for Eddie and Frazer as they proudly ride through the streets of Salford!
 Comment by Tony Flynn ( member ) 25th September 2012
Hi salfordjc, strange coincidence, Eddie Weeks worked for Manchester Liners as an engineer on the boats sailing to Canada, he may have possibly ridden your Zundapp Bella! |
Comment by salfordjc ( member ) 24th September 2012
l had a 1959 Zundapp Bella in the mid 60s ,,,,,it was built like a tank ,,,,it even had an electric start..........l sold it to Manchester Liners Dock Office and their staff used it to get about the old Salford Docks...........happy days |
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