Throughout our scootering experiences, we often encounter all sorts of challenges; Phil Cuffe’s story is one driven by emotion, so we asked Stu Smith to find out more…
Sc: How and when did you get into scooters?
PC: Although I started my scootering journey in the early 70s, it didn’t really get serious until 1996 when I joined the Leeds Crusaders S.C. Within my first year of membership, I was elected to be the No.1 of the club, and I held that position until I left in 2012.
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Sc: How did you come to own this scooter?
PC: Before I got this one, I had an SX200, which was covered in more mirrors and accessories than you could shake a stick at. So I decided I wanted a more streamlined GP, and luckily, at the time, my brother, Mick, was selling his GP150, so we struck a deal.
Sc: When you got the scooter, did you make any paint upgrades?
PC: Yes, I went to see my good friend, Bertie, at BPS Paint Shop in Bradford, who was happy to help. Whilst he was completing the job, I dropped by to see him and said, “I know you’ve painted lots of scooters and you always put, ‘Painted by BPS’ on the bridge piece; well, I don’t want that on mine, I want, ‘Painted by Bertie’…”
Sc: How did he react?
PC: He nearly had a meltdown, explaining that it was a graphic he used so people could recognise the quality of his work. I said, “This scooter and this paint job are a bond between us, we’ve been very good friends for many years, and that’s why I want ‘Painted by Bertie’ on my bridge piece”, which I think was the first and only time that he’s done that.
Sc: What happened next?
PC: I used the scooter regularly, but, like many people, my circumstances changed, and in August 2012, I decided to sell it to fund outings and weekends with my family. Over the years, I often wondered where the scooter was, and in 2020, I sadly lost my elder brother, Mick, from whom I’d originally bought it. My thoughts went to, ‘Where is the scooter now?’ And then, sadly, three years after that, Bertie died; now I couldn’t get the thought of getting the scooter back out of my head.
Sc: What did you do to try to locate the scooter?
PC: I tried as many ways of finding it as I could, but I just couldn’t make any progress. I talked about it to my father-in-law, Jack, who’d taken a real interest in it, and he said, “Knowing you, Phil, something will come along!” And lo and behold, something did. A year later, whilst I was sorting through some old paperwork, I found a photocopy of the V5, which had the details of the lad I’d sold it to nearly twelve years ago; it felt like my Wonka golden ticket!
“A year later, whilst I was sorting through some old paperwork, I found a photocopy of the V5, which had the details of the lad I’d sold it to nearly twelve years ago; it felt like my Wonka golden ticket!”
Sc: Were the details up to date?
PC: I wasn’t sure, so I tried to find the fella on as many social media platforms as I could, but again with no luck. So with that, I sat down and thought, “Should I just turn up on the door, or was it too much of a long shot?” Nevertheless, I plucked up the courage and drove to the address. When I got there, a lady came to the door. I explained who I was, and she told me her husband (who was at work) did indeed still have the scooter, but after that, she said, “He never sells anything”, and my heart sank.
Sc: How did you manage to eventually make contact with the fella?
PC: Fortunately, his wife gave me his telephone number, and after I’d let things settle down, I rang him the next day. We had a lengthy conversation, and as a result, he kindly agreed to let me come over to see the scooter. When I got there, he invited me in and made me feel very welcome.
Sc: Then what happened?
PC: We talked about whether or not he wanted to sell it, but he couldn’t make up his mind. But after a few more telephone conversations and a lot of texts, we agreed on a price; to say I was overjoyed is an understatement. However, unfortunately, during the time we were negotiating the deal, my father-in-law, Jack, also died, and he never got to see it.
Sc: Since you got the scooter back, have you made any changes to it?
PC: Several, most of which were completed by my pal, Benny, who built the original engine. Also, I decided to remove a chequered sticker that had been put on the legshield toolbox door by the previous owner. Amazingly, when I got it off, I discovered that the original Leeds Crusaders S.C graphic, which had been put on by Bertie during the original paint job, was still there!
Stu Says: With consideration for everyone’s feelings, Phil walked into the anticipation and uncertainty of whether he’d be able to locate this scooter, and even if he did, there was still the question of if he’d even be able to buy it back or not. But with an endearing level of support, empathy and understanding, from all involved, the scooter has returned home and will always be cherished.
Words: Stu Smith & Phil Cuffe Photos: Phil Cuffe
Man and machine
Name: Phil Cuffe
Scooter club & town: Independent rider, Leeds
Scooter model: Lambretta GP 150
When purchased: Originally in the mid-90s
Kit: TS1-225
Exhaust: PM Tuning
What’s it like to ride: Fast and thirsty!
Article originally appeared in Scootering Magazine March 2026 issue. To subscribe and grab some Meguiars cleaning freebies visit https://classicmagazines.co.uk/scootering?offer=SCOME2026
