Tabby's Indian GP200

To see it within a crowded scooter compound or lined up at the side of the road at a busy rally, you’d possibly not pay Tabby’s Indian GP200 too much attention or perhaps even feel it was worth a second glance. But that’s precisely where you would be wrong...

- Big Chris

The Bridlington Rally has always been my favourite event of the scootering season, and correct me if I’m wrong, but the numbers this year seemed to have increased significantly on what was already a well-attended national. The weather was again kind and there was a real buzz outside the Spa complex, with the pop of two-stroke exhausts as classic scooters were ridden up and down. Others were simply parkedup, with our kind of folk just hanging out and being part of the general happening.

As our small group pulledup, we were marshalled into the dedicated scooter parking area on the opposite side of the road to the Spa. This was a nice touch and a good piece of organisation. We dismounted and set-off to join the queue to check-out what was on display this year inside the annual LCGB Trade & Custom Show. As we slowly meandered up and down the rows of parked scooters, steadily navigating ourselves in the general direction of the entrance, I was again totally overwhelmed by just how many different variations on a theme there can possibly be on a classic Vespa or Lambretta. Each and every one has a certain charm, to a greater or lesser degree of interest, depending on personal taste. There are no rules, and the only restrictions could possibly be the size of your wallet, or the width of your imagination. But to be honest, if I had the brass and enough space, I would have one each of everything.

While generally having a look around, sometimes something just catches your eye, which makes you take a closer look; this in turn leads your eye to something else of interest, and so-on. You could go on looking all day and not see half of what’s there; and what has always struck me is that there’s probably more to see outside than the number of ‘official’ entrants, polished to perfection and displayed like peacocks inside the show.