The family of the 'Modfather' of Vespa scooters are selling off his epic collection that includes one he loaned for the cult film Quadrophenia. The late Bill Drake amassed the iconic scooters and parts that was the favourite mode of transport for Mods in the 1960s.
He was such an authority on Vespas that he was brought in as a technical advisor for the famous 1979 movie that starred Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash and Sting. But he quit in disgust after the producers ignored his protests that some of the scooters used in filming did not tie in with the movie's 1964 time frame.
His own 1961 Vespa Douglas GS 150cc ended up in the movie and was ridden by Garry Cooper's character Peter Fenton, who was the boyfriend of 'Steph', played by Ash. It is being sold with a pre-sale estimate of £6,500. Another iconic scooter from Mr Drake's collection is a 1953 Vespa Douglas Rod 125cc that was ridden by Morecambe and Wise.
While in panto at the Bristol Hippodrome in 1963, the comedy duo visited the local Douglas works and were given the opportunity of riding one of the models that years later was acquired by Mr Drake. It is valued at £8,000. But the most sought-after scooter in the sale is likely to be an incredibly rare 1948 Vespa 98, which was the first to be marketed by Italian manufacturers Piaggio. The battered machine is in untouched condition and carries an estimate of between £15,000 to £25,000. A 1966 Vespa 180 Super Sport is also tipped to sell for £6,000.
Mr Drake - a descendant of the Tudor seafer and explorer Sir Francis Drake - was the leading light of the Veteran Vespa Club and Vespa Club of Great Britain. He was also a leading source for rare and elusive spare parts which filled up his house in Eastleigh, Hants. He died last year and his family are now selling off the bikes and parts as well as Vespa badges, flags and books through Ewbank's Auctions of Woking, Surrey.
The collection is expected to make about £50,000 in total. Chandler Yorke-Edgell, of Ewbank's Auctions, said: "There can be few in the Vespa world who are unaware of Bill and the incredible contribution that he made to both the Veteran Vespa Club and Vespa Club of Great Britain.
"Following his death in early 2021, it was inevitable that his collection would be offered for sale. It is an important collection of machines and memorabilia and is a unique opportunity to acquire early bikes in their original state for a dream restoration project.
"As well as four Vespa scooters, there are badges, flags, mudguards, spring arms and clutch covers available. For true Vespa fans looking for the genuine vintage item, this catalogue is worth its weight in gold. It's a testament to the importance of Bill Drake in this field that his legacy includes being able to help so many other enthusiasts in the most practical way." The sale takes place Tuesday.
