VVC Rally - Brighton 1986

This year’s rally returned to Withdean for the first time since 1983. It took place in dull, but dry weather with a turnout similar in number to Cheltenham last year – although there must have been over 100 spectators. More importantly, though, the standard of entries was higher than ever before with many new members exhibiting for the first time. Some old stalwarts of the club wee conspicuous by their absence – some on holiday and others attending EUROVESPA in Barcelona – but nevertheless, the Club is sufficiently strong in numbers now to be able to stage a good show whatever the circumstances.

Dave Hawkins arrived for the first time ever with something other than a GS150 – His recently restored 152L2 in light blue. However, he did bring a VS5 to keep it company – the one he built in 1980 from new parts. Unfortunately ONV 478, which recently appeared in “Absolute Beginners” was not on show; apparently it inadvertently lost its spark two days before.

Mr R Lafone of Gerrards Cross was a welcome visitor on his 152L2 – he drove it all the way to Cheltenham last year.

The Thorpe family arrived in force this year, Tony’s “old faithful” GL2 being joined by son Tim’s 152L2.

Nigel Canning’s immaculate 42L2 appeared once again – and its still for sale. Former Vespa News Editor arrived with his white and green GS 160 Series 1 (Dave Hawkins’ old orange one resprayed) and an impressive black and metallic blue VS5 which has been seen before as a fairly average silver one.
The only GS 160 Series1 in the club, that of Jon Titchener, was driven down from Wimbledon to win its class in the concours. Jon bought the machine from Stuart Brookes who restored it about a year ago. Stuart himself brought a Rod and a Messerschmitt (which won their respective concours classes) together with a splendidly original “New 150” recently purchased from a vicar. The reverend had apparently succumbed to the temptations of Mammon and flogged off the original number plate – but such is life!

Bill Drake arrived with a 1966 Vespa 90 that had only done an amazing 350 miles from new , the machine being accordingly totally original. Martin Hayes brought along his red and silver GS VS1 that has become ever-present at Brighton rallies –the only thing missing was the original number plate, but that’s another story.

Adrian Haynes drove all the way from London on his very nice Sportique; some will remember seeing it on display at Donnington last year. Most remarkable performance of the week-end was by Norrie Kerr who won the Vintage gymkhana and nearly won third prize for the concours despite not bringing a Vespa with him. Supremo Frank Brookes was certain that there must be a logical explanation.

Newcomer Brian Baldwin arrived with a trio of magnificent VS5s, all of which had been restored in the last twelve months or so. Brian has just taken delivery of the last Eddie Airey machine, and so we look forward to seeing this machine next year. The Newsletter Editor, Ashley Lenton, brought along his well-known blue and white GS 160 Series 2. It was almost the final appearance of this machine as it was stolen in Wimbledon two days after the rally. Luckily the police recovered it undamaged and intact by the end of the week, helped by VVC member Chris Hyde. Chris could not bring his VS5 to the rally, but came on the back of a non-member’s original Sportique.

Gordon Reeves made the trip from the Isle of Wight on his beautiful GS 160 Series 2, making its second appearance at Brighton. He told me that he started out for Cheltenham last year on a VS5, but broke down before he even got off the Island! Alan Hart braved all to ride his Sportique all the way from Bournemouth and was rewarded with the Long Distance Trophy.

Club Vice-President and former Douglas Service Manager, Ernie Hendy, was his usual ruthlessly efficient self in judging the Concours, assisted of course by our President Eric Brockway. Thanks go to both for their valuable experience in performing this onerous task. Ernie has a recollection of three GS 125s being sent over from Piaggio as sample models –he thinks-in 1955. The “composite” (he used another word) models apparently hung around the Douglas Works for some time before being disposed of. Does anyone know any more? Please let us know if you do.

Rally Results

• Overall Rally Champion – Stuart Brooks
• Vintage Concours
  1. J Titchener GS160
  2. G Reeves GS160
  3. D Hawkins 152L2
• Veteran Concours
  1. S Brooks GS150
  2. B Baldwin GS150
  3. D Hawkins GS150
• Classic Veteran Concours
  1. S Brooks Rod
  2. M Hayes VS1
  3. T Thorpe GL2
• Vintage Gymkhana
  1. N Kerr
  2. J Titchener
  3. T Thorpe
• Veteran Gymkhana
  1. D Hawkins
  2. S Brooks
  3. B Baldwin
• Classic Veteran Gymkhana
  1. T Thorpe
  2. S Brooks
  3. M Hayes
• Long Distance Award : Alan Hart from Bournemouth
• Best Newcomer Award : Tim Thorpe on his 152L2
• Special Ladies Award : Kathy Holness

This report by Ashley Lenton originally appeared in the Autumn 1986 Veteran Vespa Club Newsletter.

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