SCRATCHING AN ITCH
Norman Ronald’s Lambretta Luna Line model was no different in that respect when it won the Best in Show category at the January 2023 Newark Scooter World Show, which in turn generated a few comments from punters.
But you have to ask how many of the general public have actually judged a custom show themselves, or even looked beyond an immaculately presented paint job to see what is actually under the skin. Norman and his scooter are a case in point; it’s not just a case of having shiny paintwork, other things also come into play to complete the overall package and that was what the scooter was judged on.
Both Norman (and his brother, John) are scooter clubmen who are well documented from their sporting success during the 1960s and 70s. Take their racing experience, couple it together with their well-honed technical expertise, then factor in all the technological innovations that have been incorporated in the restoration of this Lambretta and you have the complete package – and this is what was taken into account by the show judges.
If you want a little taster on some of those points then we’ll hand you over to Norman to tell his story:
My first interest in the Luna Line was in late 1969; if I remember correctly, it was at a high-speed trial at Brands Hatch. Arthur Francis was riding a Lui 50 with a Vega engine which had a 123cc Starstream top end and a 26mm Amal carb sticking out the side which looked very ungainly, but you could immediately
