Formerly owned by John "Bumper" East, one of the original roadies for The Who
A direct connection to London's 1960s Mod scene
Concours restoration carried out since 2022
The vendor notes that the vehicle runs superbly; please refer to our video to see it in action
Accompanied by original 1960s documentation displayed in a purpose-built frame
In the continuous ownership of John East from 1966 until his estate sale in 2022
Framing cost was £1,500 and is Museum-grade glass, specially engineered to provide maximum clarity and 99% UV protection for safeguarding high-value and original pieces from fading and deterioration
The Appeal
The Lambretta GT200 sits at the very heart of 1960s Mod culture - the machine of choice for style-conscious young Londoners who defined an era... but how would you like one directly connected to one of the most iconic bands of the era?
This GT200 was purchased on 21 September 1966 by John "Bumper" East, one of the original roadies for The Who. John worked alongside Tony Haslam as part of the band's remarkably small early touring crew - just eight people in total, including Daltrey, Entwistle, Moon and Townshend. His nickname came from his favoured basketball boots, known as "bumpers". He bought this Lambretta for £169 on hire purchase, putting down just £10 in cash - a quintessentially Mod way of acquiring the machine you wanted. He kept it for the rest of his life.
H&H Auctioneers offered the scooter as part of John East's estate in July 2022, keeping its remarkable provenance entirely private. The successful bidder, Richard Triolo, acquired what appeared to be a very tired, unrestored Lambretta for £9,440. Having since undergone a complete concours restoration, the scooter presents in fine fettle and runs as superbly as it looks—please refer to the video below to see and hear it in action. It comes complete with a purpose-built frame displaying the original paperwork, including the hire purchase agreement and two court summons from the 1960s - one for speeding at nearly 50 mph in a 30 zone, and another for driving without insurance on Park Lane. These documents offer a wonderfully vivid and personal glimpse into the life of a young West London Mod.image.png1.59 MB
Paperwork: Original purchase documentation, court summons, and extensively catalogued history file present, largely in a display frame, along with some invoices for the restoration
Engine and mechanicals rebuilt as part of the restoration; the vendor states all is in good working order
Originally purchased new on 20 October 1964 by Alan Clark of Enfield
Returned to Speedway of Acton on 16 July 1966 before being sold to John East
Accompanied by original hire purchase agreement showing £10 deposit and weekly repayments over two years
Two original court summons from 1966 and 1967 included with the documentation
History has been extensively catalogued and documented
Bodywork in fine, restored order
Has been brought back to true period spec
Seat in good condition
Framing cost was £1,500 and is Museum-grade glass, specially engineered to provide maximum clarity and 99% UV protection for safeguarding high-value and original pieces from fading and deterioration
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