The Vespa Scooter and Brighton
Mention “Vespa” and “Brighton” in the same breath and the mind automatically brings up images of 1964 with broken deckchairs and lots of lights and mirrors, but the association between the two goes much further back than that.
An almost forgotten phenomenon of the ‘fifties is the National Scooter Rally. These events, occurring on most weekends throughout the summer, were usually instigated by marque “owners clubs” (supported by the appropriate scooter manufacturer/importer) or by conglomerates of “all makes” clubs. Typically, these events would consist of processions, gymkhana and concours events, guest appearances by show biz celebrities such as Dickie Henderson and Liz Frazer, and an evening banquet featuring a dance band and speeches from the Mayor and other local dignitaries.
The Vespa Club of Britain (VCB) was formed in 1952, and almost its first task was to arrange a National Rally for that year. Brighton was a natural choice with its good road connections and ready-made sea front facility in Maderia Drive. The rally was a great success, leading to both the 1953 and 1954 events being held at Brighton as well.
The Brighton branch of the Vespa Club of Britain was formed in 1954, and lasted until 1962 when it disbanded. However the connection with Brighton was maintained when it was decided to form a branch of the VCB dedicated to preserving old Vespas. The ensuing Veteran Vespa Club held its first event at Withdean stadium car park in 1964. In fact the majority of the Club’s events were held here until the loss of this venue in 1987.
The Mods and Rockers riots of 1964 were celebrated by the film “Quadrophenia” in 1979, which was largely filmed in Brighton. This was in part responsible for another series of Mod gatherings in the Town (accompanied by minor disturbances) in the early ‘eighties. However, since this time the Mod connection has become quite respectable with guided tours of Quadrophenia locations and displays of immaculately preserved scooters along the seafront during the summer.
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| Vespa Club of Britain | ||||||||||||
| Introduction | |
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| National Rallies |  |
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| Mid Sussex | |
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| Eastbourne | |
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| Veteran Vespa Club | ||||||||||||
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| Rallies |  |
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| Brighton Mondial | |
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| Modera Drive | ||||||||||||
| Mods in the Sixties | |
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| Mod Revival Rallies |  |
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| Quadrophenia | |
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| Quadrophenia Concert |  |
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