SCOOTER epic Quadrophenia was set in 1965 so it was always intended to look old.

A lot of research and resource went into getting the period look and feel for the characters and road vehicles, which worked fine.

But, and this may come as a shock to others who saw the film when it was first released, it was filmed 30 years ago and launched on the silver screen one year later in 1979!

I watched Quad-rophenia a few months ago and reminisced over the classic two-wheelers ridden by the actors before realising that the bikes and scooters of 1979 are now themselves classics.

Time flies, just like the scooter that sailed off the cliff at the end of the film.

Southampton specialists Purdys are involved in restoring a 1963 Lambretta Li 150 that will be finished as a replica of the one ridden by Spider' (played by Gary Shail) that will be auctioned at a famous London auction house as part of this year's Quadro-phenia celebrations to raise funds for a leading charity. Not only are they contributing the work and parts, Purdys donated the as found, needs full rebuild' scooter.

Purdys workshop and spray booth are now fully operational for repairs, restoration and paint services to all makes of scooter and motorcycles.

They will also restore those hard-to-find panels and bodywork for customers involved in their own projects.

Brighton will see a lot of scooters and I hope, as a biker, quite a few bikes this year for the celebrations that will include live music from The Who.

I can almost hear the comments now that will address the generational gap - "well I never, that music used on the TV show CSI".

You might say, "you can't turn back time", but you can with the first prize offered by Purdys in a free-to-enter competition - the Vespa branded wall clock, pictured.

Second entry drawn from the big box I keep under my desk will receive a Vespa branded pen and pencil set (in a commemorative tin) and third prize winner will receive a Vespa branded mug, both pictured below.

To enter just answer the following easy question: what is Purdys address?

Send your answer with your name, address and daytime telephone number on a postcard or sealed envelope to: Vespa Competition/ On Two Wheels, Southern Daily Echo, Newspaper House, Test Lane, Southampton. SO16 9JX.

Closing date is January 29.

Usual Echo competition rules apply which can be found on our website at www.dailyecho.co.uk.

ABOVE: Some of the Vespas and Lambrettas in Purdys workshops, before, during and after restoration.