When structural powder and gold leaf meet a kitsch designer, the results are something rather unique on this custom Vespa. Stu Owen reports…
We all look for that bit of inspiration when it comes to a creative idea for a custom scooter theme. Anything from album covers to Adidas trainers, you name it, somewhere it’s out there. The problem is that, sometimes, the search can become too prolonged and complicated, as the struggle to find a real vision blurs. Maybe the answer is to look to those who are creative and take ideas from them, but those people have a unique talent that can be difficult to understand, especially when it borders on the extreme.
Polarised
Mention the name Jelto Gerdes in German scooter circles, and people will instantly recognise him and know what he does. Outside those circles, people may struggle to associate, but if you go back to the end of last year, to the November edition of Scootering, there was a write-up on the Vespbeachi rally. The alternative to modern scooter rallies, something different and refreshing. Jelto was the person behind organising it all and making it happen.
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While Vespbeachi is a major part of his scooter roots, Jelto has a great affection for the machines themselves, and you would be wise to think it must be the Vespa. Rightly so, having owned one for the last fifteen years. It allowed him to indulge in the rally scene, where he gained experience before starting his own, but scooters are just as important, and he wanted to create something different. Having acquired a Vespa 125n, the base of the project was there, and in fairly good condition; it didn’t actually need restoration. However, its beige colour did little for his imagination, so it had to be changed.
His inspiration would come from Harald Glööckler, a German fashion designer; hence the machine’s name. One could describe him as rather flamboyant and rather outlandish in his appearance, which also reflects his work. It is based around polarisation and uses gold and black as the colour range. However, just painting something gold and black doesn’t mean you will get the effect you’re looking for. A JPS Lotus Formula One car, for example, worked perfectly using it, thanks to its timeless design. That, perhaps, doesn’t sit so well on a Vespa 125n with its rounded bodywork shape, which belongs in an era before it. This meant Jelto would have to get his thinking cap on when it came to translating and achieving a difficult combination.
Structured
Jelto decided that the main shell and body panels would be finished in black and opted for powder coating rather than spray painting. Once the bodywork was stripped and any dents and blemishes removed, the process could begin, but not like the standard powder coating we all associate with. The method used is called special structural powder application, which takes effect during the final heating stage of the process (answers on a postcard regarding its chemistry). What you are left with is a crackle dust finish, which has an older look and complements the machine’s age. It also looks matte in appearance, as opposed to the usual glossy sheen of powder coating that we’re all more accustomed to. There is no denying, it’s a different finish from anything you’re normally accustomed to on a scooter, and it’s unique. That’s the important fact, though, because a custom machine needs to stand out, and when its look has not been seen before, then it has achieved one of its goals.
There was still more to be done because, if all of it were black, it would be too stealthy, and that is where the polarisation method comes in. To offset it, gold was incorporated into the equation, which makes sense for components like the wheel rims and stand, and these were also powder-coated. So you would expect all the other gold parts you see to have been treated in the same way, wrong, they are, in fact, covered in gold leaf. It became a labour of love, not just for items such as the headlamp rim and badges, but for everything, including nuts, bolts, end caps, and even the seat springs.
There were times when it became frustrating for Jelto, painstakingly long hours to cover intricate parts completely. Not only that, but after each piece was done, it had to be clear lacquered to protect it, remembering this is a well-used machine in all weathers. Without that process, the gold leaf would begin to flake off, requiring costly repairs. Like many custom scooters, the fine detail can take an age to complete, and he does mention “build it at your own pace”. Here, it’s easy to understand why he thinks that way, but the results speak for themselves, and it’s been well worth the effort.
Left Alone
Jelto explained that he isn’t a fan of freshly painted scooters; to him, they are too shiny and have a slightly artificial look. The problem is that, even when a scooter came out of the factory, it would be like that, and only ageing over time would give it any patina. He understands that, but it doesn’t mean he can’t create that type of old effect, which he has done here. By now, you may have gathered that the new look doesn’t appeal to him, and that is also reflected in the engine. No fancy cylinder kits, big carburettor, and the like, just a rebuilt standard engine suits fine. That goes for the rest of it as well, where factory-fitted items will suffice.
There is the possibility of a slightly improved exhaust to bump up the power output in the future, but I’ve been informed that, if it is, it will have a gold-leaf end can. It may also have the side panel cut out to show the leaf effect on the engine covers, which is for cosmetic purposes only; otherwise, it will be left alone. By adding extras, it would only detract from the look anyway, so don’t expect any radical changes, not that any are needed.
This scooter definitely falls into the category of uniqueness, which these days is so hard to achieve. Certainly, the effect on the black powder coat offers a distinctive texture that you don’t see every day, as does covering everything else in gold leaf. The overall effect makes you look twice, wondering what the hell it is. Jelto commented that people thought it was AI-created when they first saw pictures of it, which is understandable. However, there is nothing artificial about it; if it gives that impression, then it’s doing its job. Customisation is about being unique, and The Glööckler, certainly, is that.
Words: Stuart Owen
Images: Bonnie Bartusch
Jelto Gerdes
Name: Jelto Gerdes
Scooter club & town: No club, but I organise the Vesbeachi rally.
What do you like about rallies/events: The serenity, the conversations, and the exchange. Everyone has a good time. And it’s nice to feel like you’re part of a scene and can exchange ideas.
Scooter model: Vespa 125N
Any specialised parts: Many components are covered with 24-carat gold leaf.
What’s it like to ride: Relaxed; you feel like you have gone back in time.
Anything you would have done differently: No, it simply remains a project that can always be changed.
Thanks to: Stephan Adelmund for selling the base, Patrick Perle for powdering it, and my family, who had to endure the madness with the gold leaf that can still be found in some places in our kitchen.
Article originally appeared in Scootering Mag July 2026 issue. To subscribe with a great offer and get your mag delivered visit HERE
