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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

"Oh no! It's the police!"



My Lambretta still proudly sports a black and chrome dealer sticker from International Sportcycles in Union City, New Jersey, on the leg shield.

International Sportcycles supplied the New York City Police Department with thousands of Servetas --- a fact they were quite proud of in a solicitation letter I got along with the purchase of the bike. The previous owner got this bit of mid-1970s history along with the scooter too. The letter was sent to the Ithaca P.D. where they apparently sold the department on the idea of using scooters because, after all, the NYPD had been using their Lambrettas "for almost six years."

"This type of vehicle gives the average policeman the flexibility of almost ten policemen. Due to heavy traffic, he can be on the scene of the crime faster than some patrol cars. He can chase a youthful criminal down sidewalks, through alleyways and parks: its usefulness in parking an traffic control is unlimited. In short, the Lambretta Scooter 150 Special makes the public visibily aware of the effort expended on the part of the Police Department," states the letter from John D. Lindsay, president of the company.

Stapled to that letter was another from International Sportcycles marketing manager James E. Tucker who broke down the costs for the 150 Special --- $929, not including shipping from Union City. "The units are available in White, Red and White, and Blue and White, and include directional signals in the basic price."

Mine is blue and white --- obviously. The directional signals, which never worked well when new, have been mercifully removed though.

"Extras available are: Windshield and bracket, $39.00; spare tire, wheel and mounting bracket, $30.00; side mirror and bracket, $6.00."

Mine came with all of those extras. The windshield is missing, yet the deep scratches the windshield made on the handlebars are certainly not missing. Fortunately, I found the correct Serveta cop screen that I'll put on the bike later. I don't like windscreens, but it will probably look cool on a cop bike. At least it will cover the scratches.







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