Darryl Braga’s 1959 Lambretta Li150 Series 1 has been transformed into an elaborate tribute to Princess Diana. With intricate airbrushed murals, bespoke components and gemstone detailing, The People’s Princess brings together specialist craftsmanship from across the UK and Europe. Stu Smith reports…

The People’s Princess

Darryl Braga transformed a 1959 Series 1 Lambretta into one of the most thoughtful and beautifully presented tribute custom scooters of recent years…

This remarkable Princess Diana-themed scooter manages to achieve a wonderful tribute that is as respectful as it is technically accomplished. The reason behind this is that it’s the type of scooter that encourages you to slow down, spend time looking beyond the obvious and gradually discover layer after layer of craftsmanship.

At first glance the machine is breath-taking and the deeper you look, the more remarkable it becomes.

Sensitivity

Known throughout the custom scooter scene as someone who refuses to compromise, Darryl has built a reputation for producing projects that sit firmly at the highest end of the custom scene. His scooters are always carefully developed over several years, allowing ideas to mature rather than being rushed towards a completion date. That patient approach is immediately evident in his latest creation, appropriately named The People’s Princess.

Choosing Princess Diana as the inspiration for a custom scooter was always going to require sensitivity. It would have been easy to lean towards something overly elaborate or sentimental, but Darryl has resisted that temptation completely. Instead, the entire project celebrates Diana’s compassion, dignity and humanitarian work, producing a scooter that feels every bit as graceful as the woman who inspired it.

Purchased in the spring of 2021, the 1959 Series 1 became the canvas for what would evolve into almost five years of careful planning, development and refinement, fitted around Darryl’s other projects. Rather than chasing deadlines, he concentrated on finding the right people for every individual aspect of the build.

That philosophy is perhaps one of the defining features of the scooter. While Darryl remained the driving force behind the concept and overall direction, The People’s Princess became a collaboration between specialists, each recognised within their own field for producing work of the very highest standard.

The most obvious contribution comes from Colin Fitzgerald of Garage Art Werks, whose airbrushed murals form the emotional centrepiece of the entire scooter. Every mural has been carefully selected to reflect important moments from Diana’s life and, more significantly, the causes she championed. Whether highlighting her compassion towards children, her tireless charitable work or her ability to connect with ordinary people, the artwork tells a story rather than simply decorating the bodywork.

Supporting that artwork is the immaculate paint preparation and finishing carried out by Paul Bullivant of Retro Ride Paint Shop. The quality of the finish provides the perfect foundation for the murals, graphics and detailing, allowing every individual element to complement the next rather than competing for attention.

Refinement

One of the most striking aspects of the build is the way different finishing techniques have been brought together. Chrome has long been synonymous with custom scooters, and Darryl has carefully introduced gold plating alongside it, creating contrast without allowing either finish to dominate. The warmer tones of the gold soften the brilliance of the chrome, giving the scooter a refined appearance that feels elegant rather than excessive.

That sense of balance reflects the overall theme perfectly. Princess Diana possessed a unique combination of elegance and warmth, and those same qualities have found their way into the visual language of this machine. It has undeniable presence, yet never becomes loud or brash. Instead, there’s a gentleness to its presentation that sets it apart from other highly decorated customs.

That attention to detail continues throughout the scooter. Several of the beautifully prepared bespoke parts are the result of Darryl’s long-standing collaboration with Keith Newman. Having worked together on several previous projects, the pair discussed ideas at length before anything was committed to production, allowing components to evolve naturally rather than simply being made for the sake of it. That shared experience led to the development of a number of one-off features, including the custom rear brake pedal and kick-start pedal, together with several specially prepared components designed to accommodate the scooter’s intricate gemstone detailing.

Those gemstones were then expertly inset by Glynn at Cresta Gems, an experienced working jeweller whose specialist skills brought another level of craftsmanship to the project. It’s precision work more commonly associated with fine jewellery rather than custom scooters, yet the execution is flawless, with every stone feeling perfectly integrated into the overall design rather than added as decoration.

Perhaps the most meaningful detail of all is the sapphire mounted within the rear frame grille. Inspired by the famous oval sapphire and diamond cluster necklace worn by Princess Diana, it provides a subtle but unmistakable reference to one of her most recognisable personal pieces. Tastefully incorporated into the overall design, it perfectly sums up the philosophy behind the entire build: every detail has a purpose, every feature has meaning, and nothing has been included simply for effect.

Among the most technically demanding bespoke components were the Diana horncast badge, the distinctive ‘D’ horn grille embellisher and the beautifully crafted ‘Spencer’ front mudguard embellisher. Each was specially produced by Carte Blanche in France, demonstrating not only the complexity of the work involved but also Darryl’s willingness to seek out the finest craftspeople, regardless of where they are based. It reflects both his experience as a builder and his understanding that achieving the very best results often means drawing on specialist talent from across the UK and Europe.

Connection

The same philosophy extends to the engraved detailing completed by Colin Wilkins, which quietly enhances the surrounding features, adding another layer of craftsmanship without demanding attention, and, like so many aspects of the build, rewards closer inspection.

One particularly touching detail appears inside the speedometer. Rather than selecting another portrait of Diana, Darryl chose to reproduce a child’s drawing created by a four-year-old girl whom Princess Diana visited while the child was receiving treatment on a cancer ward. It is a wonderfully human detail that captures something far more meaningful than a studio photograph ever could. It reflects Diana’s genuine ability to connect with children and families during difficult times and quietly reinforces the charitable thread running throughout the scooter.

The seating, produced by Corky, complements the rest of the build perfectly. It manages to look luxurious without becoming extravagant, fitting naturally into the overall aesthetic while maintaining the understated elegance that defines the project.

Dependable

Mechanically, Darryl has taken an equally thoughtful approach. Rather than chasing impressive dyno figures or building an engine that bears little resemblance to the scooter’s original character, he has concentrated on creating a dependable, sympathetic package that allows the visual theme to remain the undisputed focal point.

Power comes from a cast 175 kit, breathing through the standard carburettor and exhaust system. The transmission continues that philosophy, using an SX150 clutch and gearbox to provide smooth, reliable performance that suits the scooter’s intended purpose perfectly.

Supporting the engine set-up package are standard brakes together with BGM front dampers and a BGM rear shock absorber, introducing discreet improvements in handling and control without compromising the authentic character of the machine.

The frame itself is untouched, which allows the timeless proportions of the Series 1 to shine through, providing the ideal foundation for the artwork and specialist detailing. It also reflects confidence in the original styling; when a scooter is this beautifully proportioned to begin with, there is little need to reinvent it.

Of course, projects of this complexity rarely progress without obstacles, and shortcuts simply weren’t an option. That patience has become something of a hallmark of Darryl’s builds. His advice to anyone considering a serious custom project is straightforward: research thoroughly and have plenty of patience. Looking around The People’s Princess, it’s difficult to argue with that philosophy. Every carefully considered decision, every conversation with a specialist and every additional month spent refining an idea has contributed towards the finished result.

What makes The People’s Princess particularly memorable is that it resonates with people on different levels, and that’s because no matter what type of specialism the onlooker associates themselves with, they simply see a beautiful scooter with an uplifting story behind it.

Sincerity

This scooter celebrates Princess Diana without exploiting her memory. It reflects kindness rather than tragedy, compassion rather than sadness and craftsmanship rather than spectacle. Every mural, every engraved feature, every carefully selected gemstone and every bespoke component contributes towards a tribute that feels sincere throughout.

Creating a successful custom scooter is never simply about spending money on expensive parts. It is about having a clear vision, surrounding yourself with talented people and giving them the freedom to excel within their own disciplines. Darryl’s done exactly that, bringing together artists, painters, engravers, platers, jewellers, upholsterers and specialists from both the UK and mainland Europe to produce something that none of them could have achieved alone.

Appreciation

The People’s Princess demonstrates that genuine craftsmanship isn’t measured by the number of custom parts fitted, but by the thought behind every decision. This scooter is a machine that invites people to look closer, to appreciate the remarkable skill of every specialist involved and, above all, to reflect on the qualities that inspired the project in the first place. In doing so, Darryl has produced not only one of the standout customs of the 2026 season, but also one of the most considered and respectfully executed tribute scooters to appear on the custom scene in many years.

Words: Stu Smith

Photos: Gary Chapman

Acknowledgement: Thanks to Great Northern Classics, Derby, for the kind use of their premises for the photoshoot.

Man and machine

Name: Darryl Braga

Scooter club & town: Independent rider.

First scooter: I became interested in scooters in the 80s through one of my pals, who had one. I was more into bikes, but I eventually bought my first scooter in 2015.

Most memorable rally: W.o.T Rally 2015.

Name of scooter: The People’s Princess.

Scooter model: 1959 Lambretta Li150 Series 1.

Kit: Cast 175.

Crank, carb, exhaust: All standard.

Gearbox: SX150.

Suspension: Front: Standard with BGM front dampers. Rear: BGM shocker.

Paintwork & Murals by: Paul Bullivant, Retro Ride Paint Shop. Airbrushing by Colin Fitzgerald, Garage Art Werks.

Engraving by: Colin Wilkins.

Plating by: Chrome and Gold plating by Karl Russell, Quality Chrome, Hull.

Seat by: Corky.

Is there anyone you wish to thank: Colin Fitzgerald for the artwork, Paul Bullivant for the paintwork, Carte Blanche for the specialised themed parts, Keith Newman at K2 Customs for the themed parts and preparation for the jewels to be set, Glynn at Cresta Gems, Derby, for setting the jewels, and Rob Miller at Simply Retro for the parts and build.

Article originally appeared in Scootering Magazine