Many Lambretta based sites will tell you all about the Lambretta Preservation Society.  I will look at it from a different angle.  In 1985 I decided I would put together a magazine, as part of that research I contacted one Mr. Mike Karslake regarding me doing an article about him.  He wrote back and said that I'd have to go and visit him because he was a complicated person and I could then make my mind up as to what to write about him. On my visit to Southend-on-Sea, I was amazed at the openness of himself and Rachel and his willingness to tell me what I wanted to know.  For example; did you know that his daughter is married to Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones?  Also that some members his family where used as models in the early Lambretta advertising material.  The "Mae West with Lambretta" shot was his personal favorite.

I wrote an in-depth article all about Mike and his love and collection of the Lambretta marque.  Devastated as I am, I have lost the article whilst moving house.  What I have left of the day are here for you to see.  The photographs of his hanger full of all his beloved Lambretta's and the history too.  During my visit a friend of his made a business call, I remember it concerning some packaging he was making for this friend.  On his departure Mike informed me that the person who had just left was a certain Mr. Arthur Francis, in the flesh.  I asked why he didn't introduce us and he said "Arthur prefers his privacy".  I understand completely, but what would the state of scootering have been in the UK if he hadn't employed a young Raymond Kemp at his shop in London?  Anyway on with the photos.....

The late Mr. Mike Karslake [1985]

Mike with a Model D just one of the extensive collection.  Notice in the background of these photos that there where loads of scooters waiting to be restored. Sadly that was never to happen, see footnote at bottom of this page for the reason why.

Model A Lambretta 1947

This actual machine now belongs to Ray Kemp and is on permanent display in his Yorkshire shop. On the day the photo was taken the bike started on its third kick!

This scooter is now owned by Ray Kemp

As above.

Models, A, B, C, and D

 All in a line.

Mikes regular ride.

112MPH Lambretta

Fred Willingham's Record Breaker.

As above

Note that the fuel tank is missing / stolen.

Scottish 6 Day event Lambretta

As above second view

Lambretta Works Combo

This is mikes Combo which he raced around the Isle of Mann and in cross country events.

The LI 175 Lambretta Fire Engine

The 3 wheeler fire engine was custom built to pass through the narrow streets of a certain Italian village, which one who knows. Ido remember seeing it on the television on "Runaround" in the 70s!

As Above

Lambretta Preservation Society

3 wheel truck.

More bikes................

And more...

Sept 28 1994. News paper Headlines read.

£70,00 scooter bonanza.  Britain's biggest collection of scooters and stepthru's went under the hammer last week for a record £70.000.  The late Mike Karslake's horde of almost 100 scooters plus a mountain of books, catalogues and accessories which where assembled over the last 30 years.  The five hour sale in Okehampton, Devon saw Vespa's and Lambretta's go for as little as £50.00 but 3-whelers fetched top prices.  An Innocenti Wicker Rickshaw designed by Ghia went for £4000 and a Lambretta Fire engine sold for £4500.

Sad days. The collection had to be sold as Rachel could not look after it. So that was that. It was nice for me to go to the 92 Euro Lambretta Rally to see all the scooters again and as it turned out for the last time. Hopefully this is a view of the LPS that not too many others are offering.  Sad but true - The prices of Lambretta's of all descriptions rocketed some months after this whole sad saga took place.