Carl Ellis built a scooter called Identity Crisis using a mixture of used parts sourced from different places and developed from what was originally an Li Golden Special frame purchased in 2023. The project combines elements associated with Li, TV and SX models. Stu Smith spoke to Carl about how the scooter was developed.
Building a scooter without spending a fortune
Scooter restorations can cost thousands of pounds and while phrases such as “Buy cheap, buy twice” and “No such thing as a short-cut” are true, with reasonable mechanical knowledge and home-taught painting skills, Carl’s shown that it’s possible to build a fantastic machine without paying a fortune.
(Question and answer format follows)
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First scooter
Sc: What was your first scooter and when did you get it?
CE: My first scooter was a Vespa Rally 180, which I bought for £25 sometime around 1982 when I was 15.
Background to the scooter
Sc: Tell me about the background to this scooter.
CE: My favourite custom scooters are Exile, Wake and Little Rascal, while my favourite models of scooters are Lambretta SXs and TVs. In terms of my favourite style of custom machines, again, that’s eclectic so you could probably say I like a bit of everything, from full customs to street racers and chops. This scooter was originally an Li Golden Special, which I purchased in 2023, and I’ve developed it into a bit of an Li/TV/SX. Its name, Identity Crisis, sums it up perfectly.
Developing the project
Sc: How did you go about developing the project?
CE: I’ve previously built a cut-down scooter, which was called Divided Opinion, and I wanted this project to be a full-frame build. Nowadays most scooter prices are out of my price range, so I bought this one as a completely bare rusty frame and after a bit of straightening here and there it’s been mostly built with used parts.
Sourcing the parts
Sc: How did you source the parts?
CE: The side panels and running lights are from parts fairs and I got the chrome front mudguard from a friend. I polished the side panels using an old-school trick to rub off the rust and the rear footboards are aftermarket items which I trimmed to suit the bodywork. The seat’s one I got from Taffspeed back in 1986, there’s also an anodised gear block and swivel and the running lights are powered by a battery I installed behind the spare wheel.
Challenges during the build
Sc: What was the hardest part of the project?
CE: Because I was getting the parts from all over the place, the build threw plenty of challenges at me. One of the main issues I had was with the TV legshields because I discovered that the holes in them were all out of line with the frame. However, I’ve some experience doing cars up and with a bit of welding and re-drilling in the right places I managed to get them to fit.
Creating the paint finish
Sc: The paintwork looks fantastic. Tell me about that.
CE: I couldn’t decide what colour to paint it so I started experimenting in the back garden and finally came up with the colour you see. It’s made up of a black base then silver and then a light coat of black. Basically, I attacked it with whatever I had, paintbrush, a sponge and a carrier bag and then gave it a few coats of candy green.
Performance specification
Sc: Have you made any performance upgrades to the scooter?
CE: Yes, I developed the set-up myself, which consists of a Mugello 198 small-block kit along with porting work that was also completed by myself. It has a second-hand GP200 crank, the gearbox has an AF close-ratio set-up and the clutch is an MB five-plate item. The carb is a YSN 30mm and the exhaust is a DJ TSR. On the road it rides well and pulls smoothly through the gears with decent power. Currently the suspension and brakes are standard but I’m planning on upgrading the front brake with an original style disc brake.
Advice for other builders
Sc: I think it’s fair to say that this has been a unique build. Have you any tips or advice for anyone who’s thinking of starting their own project?
CE: These days, with all the different types of custom scooters about, past and present, it’s probably now more difficult than ever to think of something different. But if you keep your mind focused on what you’re trying to achieve and take your time you will succeed; don’t rush what you do. Look for decent parts, whether they’re second-hand or new, and always do a dry build.
Stu’s view
Stu says:
The name he’s given to the scooter, Identity Crisis, sums it up perfectly; it’s honest and humorous and because of that it side-steps any unwanted disapproving opinions from the people who like to call themselves purists. It also shows that one of the fundamentals to successfully building an amazing looking scooter is to not take things too seriously, and Carl’s certainly proved that.
Words: Stu Smith Images: Abbie Ellis
Article originally appeared in Scootering Magazine April 2025. To subscribe and grab some Meguiars cleaning freebies visit https://classicmagazines.co.uk/scootering?offer=SCOME2026
