Quadrophenia album scooter with links to Pete Townsend and Liam Gallagher up for auction

15/10/2024

1963 Vespa with close connection to Mod music royalty going under the hammer
The scooter was personally specified by Pete Townsend for the 2011 launch of the digitally remastered Quadrophenia album
H&H Classics will auction this lot, and more than 50 vintage scooters alongside one of the main actual scooters that featured in the film that was ridden by ‘Chalky’, on Wednesday 30^th October in Solihull

A 1963 Vespa GS160 personally specified by The Who’s Pete Townsend, and with links to Liam Gallagher, is being auctioned by H&H Classics on Wednesday 30^th October.

The official Quadrophenia album scooter is the actual model used to promote the digitally remastered album in 2011, with the official launch venue being the relatively new ‘Pretty Green’ clothing store, owned and run by Liam Gallagher of Oasis, friend of Pete Townsend.

Estimated at £15,000-£25,000, the scooter was rebuilt by Dave Wyburn of the Quadrophenia museum after being commissioned by The Who’s world famous guitarist.

The model was chosen as the album re-launch book required images of an absolute replica of a ’Chad’ GS160, the scooter that featured on the original album cover and within the book that came with the album.

Dave Wyburn was given access to the private pictures from 1973 of the original scooter being customised at The Who’s Ramport studio in London, and the rebuild specified by Pete Townsend for the 2011 album relaunch is faithful to that model.

As well as featuring in the book for the re-launch of the album, the scooter also comes with extensive official and rare memorabilia, including a limited edition official Pretty Green Quadrophenia parka, which has never been worn.

The lot is expected to attract strong interest from collectors of rock memorabilia and historical scooters, when it goes under the hammer at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull, West Midlands, along with more than 50 vintage scooters.

Meanwhile, the Who’s rock opera film Quadrophenia has achieved cult status. The iconic film hit the big screen in 1978, five years after the original album launch. The album was re-released in 2011 and was personally overseen by Pete Townsend himself, as well as being supported by a special tour.

Paul Diamond, vintage scooter specialist at H&H Classics, said: “It’s a thrill to offer a scooter for auction which has played such an important role in contemporary popular culture.

“With links to The Who, Pete Townsend, Quadrophenia and Liam Gallagher, plus the fact it continues to run well, I’m sure there will be major interest in this lot when it goes under the hammer with H&H Classics.”

Among the other lots being auctioned is another with a link to Quadrophenia - the 1977 Lambretta GP200 used by actor Phil Davis who played ‘Chalky’ in the famous film.

This iconic white scooter, which is estimated to fetch £9,000 - £11,000, has the original Allstyle accessories still attached and comes with a Quadrophenia gala premiere ticket.

Fans wishing to bid on any of the scooters, or any of the other lots, can do so on the day in person, via online or telephone bidding, or by leaving a commission bid. For further details or to register to bid, visit www.handh.co.uk.

Notes
Established in 1993, H&H Classics is the longest continually trading specialist automotive auction house in the UK and Europe. With centuries of collective market expertise in the classic and collector vehicle industry, H&H Classics prides itself on delivering the highest levels of service to its buyers and sellers, ensuring an experience which is easy and enjoyable.

Over the past 31 years, H&H Classics has achieved world record prices for classic motorcycles, cars, and competition cars such as a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB, 1968 Lotus 49B, 1996 Subaru Impreza WRC, as well as royal cars including Queen Elizabeth II’s Daimler, Prince Phillip’s Lagonda and Princess Anne’s Bentley.

To find out more about H&H Classics, upcoming auctions or for enquiries, please visit www.handh.co.uk