King Cobra: Preserving scootering history

Dealer specials have been produced since the earliest days of scootering. Among the lesser known is the Cobra range, but they still have a cult following…

Words: Stu Smith Images: Gary Chapman

Over the years, various dealers known for their paintwork and engine specialisms have tapped into the street racer production market. Well known examples of these scooters came from the stables of AF Rayspeed, DyroSpeed, Down Town Customs and a host of others. The sharp design of their paintwork with its flowing race looks, colours and graphics never fails to attract the eye, and then there are the engine set-ups; combine the two together and there’s plenty to talk about.

A familiar story

Based in the North East, John Teal got into scooters when he was in his mid-teens.” Like a lot of us, I’d watched Quadrophenia numerous times and initially, for me it was all about mirrors and lights. My first scooter was an Li150, which I bought in 1980, just after Quadrophenia came out. I paid £10 for it which, considering I was only 15 years old, was a lot of money for me. When I bought it, my intention was to build a Quadrophenia-style scooter. However, after I’d started riding, it became more about speed and streamlined looks. That’s when I started the move towards street racers.”

Although John wanted to develop his own street racer, looking for a suitable scooter and then starting a project from scratch didn’t flick his switch. “It just didn’t ignite the same level of excitement as owning an original dealer special that had been produced by a credible dealer with the relevant credentials and history.”

In common with many others, responsibilities at work and family commitments meant that John dropped out of the scene and so wasn’t in a position to follow his passion. Nonetheless, his desire for a dealer special street racer never left him and he remained patient. After a few years’ absence, John got back into the scene and after owning several scooters, towards the end of lockdown John put the word out that he was looking for a street racer dealer special. It wasn’t long before his good pal, Anthony Latcham, got in touch and told him that he’d seen the King Cobra 02 scooter for sale at a good price. “At that time I wasn’t familiar with the Cobra range, but as soon as I saw its unique style and appearance it stood out from all the others; it had everything I was looking for,” John smiled.

A quiver of Cobras

For those who aren’t aware of the Cobra dynasty, here’s a quick history lesson. Built by Classic Lambrettas in Nottingham, three versions of their Cobra street-racer dealer specials were available: Cobra, King Cobra and Venom.

The first was the entry level Cobra, which came with a 200cc stage 4 tuned engine. Then came the King Cobra, which was available with various performance engine upgrade options such as the Rapido 225 or Mugello 225 kits along with other various available optional extras such as tubeless rims.

Fitted as standard to both Cobras was a choice of an Italian-style standard GP headset or drops, long-range stainless-steel petrol tank, rear mudguard, flywheel cowl, cylinder cowl and wheel rims, polished billeted front hydraulic disc brake, kick-start, brake pedal, race-style seat and Yokohama tyres. On all the models, the side panel grilles and frame-loop toolbox lid were filled, and there was often a distinctive double circular rear light set-up.

The starting prices for the Cobra and King Cobra were the same, but in respect of the King Cobra there was the additional cost of performance kit and any other optional extras. At the top of the range was the Cobra Venom, which was described by Classic Lambrettas as ‘the ultimate street racer’ and was supported with the following pitch: “Make no mistake this dealer special is very special. The paint scheme alone puts it way above anything else on the market in this price range, no expense is spared whatsoever.” Promoting its performance upgrades and other optional extras the exampled ‘flagship’ Cobra Venom 01 was fitted with an AF Rayspeed RB220 kit, chrome exhaust, engine casings, controls and billeted grips.

Each of the ‘specials’ scooters came with their own custom paint schemes, which were designed in association with the KAS Race Paint team. These were available in three or four colours, depending on the customer’s requirements.

Uncovering the history

Having bought the King Cobra 02, John didn’t initially realise its significance. “After I got it, I wanted to learn about the Cobra range, so I did some research. I discovered that the Cobra Venom 01 was the first scooter to be developed, and then mine followed, with the consecutive production number order, 02. Also, so far as I’m aware, my scooter is in the original KAS Race Paint colour scheme from 16 years ago. I also believe that the drop handlebars, engine, carb, gearbox, long-range tank, rear mudguard and wheel rims that it’s fitted with were original features. If that wasn’t enough, given all the possible combinations of colour schemes that were available, it’s in exactly the style that I would have chosen!”

Having developed an understanding of the scooter’s provenance, John wanted to keep it as close to its original condition as possible. However, technology has moved on rapidly over the past few years and he wanted to incorporate modern upgrades. With that in mind the scooter now runs on a TS1 225 kit with a 58×107 race-crank, fuel is supplied through a 30mm Dell’ Orto carb, the gearbox is a GP200 unit fitted with a four-plate easy-clutch and all of that is supported by a JL exhaust.

The seat is by Scoots and Soul and in terms of stopping power, the front brake is a billeted disc brake, which is fitted with a Nissin brake caliper and at the rear there’s a standard drum.

Handling-wise, at the front there’s a pair of BGM front dampers and at the rear there’s an adjustable CST shocker. Describing the ride John said: “It took a bit of getting used to the drops, but it’s responsive and pulls well in all of the gears; it’s a ridden-not-hidden machine and the engine set-up was designed with that in mind.”

It may have taken longer than he’d ever imagined, but John’s finally got the scooter he’d always been looking for. Now armed with an in-depth understanding of its background, he’s doing everything he can to safeguard its history and the legacy of Classic Lambrettas’ Cobra street racer dealer specials.

Owner

Name: John Teal.
Scooter club & town: Two+Two Scooter Crew, Co Durham.
What was your first scooter, when did you get it and how did you first become interested in them: A Lambretta Li150which I bought for £10 back in 1980 when I was 15 years old.
What was your first rally: Scarborough in 1980. I was too young to ride and went on the bus with a mate. When we got there we slept rough on the seafront and when they saw us the Export Scooter Club had a whip round so we could get a few drinks and some chips.
What do you like about rallies/events: Everything, the people, the music, the scooters and with the Two+Two lot there’s never a dull moment, we’re just one big happy family!
Any interesting or funny scooter stories: One in particular comes to mind, which happened when one of the lads had been on the magic mushrooms and was sleeping it off. One of the crew had their dog with them and we took it in turns to throw its ball near his face and every time the dog retrieved it, it rubbed its privates on his face. (The dog’s bollocks!?)
If you had to recommend one scooter part or item of riding kit what would it be: An easy-clutch makes gear changing so much smoother and also waterproofs area must.

Scooter Specification

Name of scooter: King Cobra (02).
Scooter model: Lambretta GP.
Engine specifications
Kit: TS1 225.
Crank: 58×107 race.
Carb: 30m Dell’ Orto.
Exhaust: JL.
Clutch: GP four-plate with easy-clutch.
Gearbox: GP200.
Brakes (front & rear): Front: Billeted disc.
Rear: Drum.
Suspension (front & rear): Front: BGM twin dampers. Rear: CST adjustable shocker.
What’s it like to ride: It took a bit of getting used to the drops but it pulls well in all the gears.
Frame specifications
Paintwork & murals by: KAS Race Paints (original paint).
Seat by: Scoots and Soul.
In hindsight, is there anything you would have done differently: No, you can’t change something with a history and legacy like the Cobra, King Cobra or Cobra Venom.
Is there anyone you wish to thank: Anthony Latcham for all of his work in putting everything right on the scooter and the rest of the Two+Two gang for their advice and tips.

Further information: the Lambretta Cobra Owners’ Club Facebook page makes interesting reading and offers a further insight into this genre of street racer dealer specials.