Replica of the iconic scooter by Lambretta ridden by actor Phil Daniels – aka ‘Jimmy’- in Quadrophenia (side view). Estimated at £10,000 – £12,000 (US$ 17,000 – 21,000) . Image courtesy of Bonhams
LONDON— On September 6, 2014, Bonhams will offer for sale a replica of the iconic scooter by Lambretta ridden by actor Phil Daniels – aka ‘Jimmy’ – in the cult motion picture Quadrophenia. The offer is part of Bonhams Beaulieu sale.
Released in 1979, Quadrophenia attracted a lot of following from movie lovers, who were intrigued by Jimmy’s laisser faire life. The film takes viewers on a journey, following Daniels’ character Jimmy, a young working class ‘Mod’ who abhors his dead-end job and despises his parents. Living only for parties, pills and his scooter-riding mates, Jimmy celebrates the life many easily related to during the 50s. Quadrophenia famously dramatized the 1964 Whitsun Bank Holiday violent clash between Mods and their Rocker enemies in Brighton, an event ‘celebrating’ its 50th anniversary this year. The Who, who are currently enjoying their 50th anniversary year, had their 1973 concept album of the same name providing the film’s memorable soundtrack.
The ‘Jimmy’ replicas were used to promote Quadrophenia when the DVD version was re-released. They were authorized by the film company and made by recognized iconic scooter-building specialist David John Wyburn using original Lambretta Series 3 models dating from circa 1966. This one is numbered ‘2’ on the bodywork and comes with a certificate from the film production company signed by story consultant Alan Fletcher. It is believed that the remaining replicas in the series were once owned by The Who, and Liam Gallagher (of the rock group, Oasis).
Estimated at £10,000 – £12,000 (US$ 17,000 – 21,000), the iconic scooter replica has been painted in the correct color scheme and carries the film version’s registration ‘KRU 251’ on the front mudguard. Other noteworthy features include Southend shield badges, Wassell Lambretta badge, Stadium mirrors, Vigan Red Gem fork covers, fly screen complete with stickers, outrigger exhaust, and original Ken Cobbing air horns canister and Ken Cobbing seat – all the essentials to make this the perfect replica of the film’s original.