The Italian record breakers

The 1960s was the decade where tuning and sporting events for scooters first came to light. Not only was it a groundbreaking time on the engineering side, but also for those wishing to break records. Outright speed attempts and quarter-mile times led the way and many of those attempting it realised it could enhance their business. Don Noys was the first to get noticed with his exploits on a modified TV 200. Soon after came Lambretta Concessionaires with the Atlanta Five project. Though it was doomed from the start, it did exactly what it was supposed to, and that was give the company great publicity.

In Italy, the Ancillotti brothers were ripping up the Tarmac, most notably on the race track. This hadn't gone un-noticed by Don Noys, who was now running Nannucci Accessories. In a bid to gain attention, Don invited the brothers to the UK to promote their exploits. In October 1966 their heavily modified Lambretta completed several runs at Elvington airfield in Yorkshire, culminating in a new record with a top speed of 106mph. In doing so they had laid down the gauntlet to all the others