Scooter jamboree revs up crowd

Classic scooter enthusiasts from across South-East Asia gathered in Penang for the “Moto Buruk Garage” (MBG) Vespa Lambretta Jamboree 2024.

The event offered a glimpse into the world of scooter restoration and customisation, with many attendees showing off their collections.

Among those present was online businessman Azizul Hakimi Nordin who came from Kuala Lumpur with his family.

“We have been here from the day before the event until the last day of the jamboree,” he said.

Azizul with his prized 1958 Innocenti Lambretta Li 150 Frame Breather.

The 1958 Innocenti Lambretta Li 150 Frame Breather that Azizul inherited from his father is just one of the classic models that he owns.

He described how he had poured his heart and savings into maintaining his scooters.

Events like the MBG Vespa Lambretta Jamboree 2024 make it all worthwhile, he said.

“I have loved classic scooters since my childhood days.

“My father and grandfather shared the same passion.

A visitor taking a photo of a classic scooter at the ‘Moto Buruk Garage’ Vespa Lambretta Jamboree 2024.

“I guess my interest in classic scooters came from them,” he added.

Maintaining classic bikes is not easy as it requires investing thousands of ringgit, said Azizul.

He once received an offer of RM85,000 from a collector who wanted to buy his 1958 Innocenti Lambretta Li 150 Frame Breather, but Azizul declined the offer.

“The scooter is like a family member; I love it and will not sell it,” he declared.

Azizul’s Lambretta scooter has won several awards in competitions.

Besides the Italian-made scooter, he has six others from the same period.

Loh with his four classic scooters at the jamboree.

Another classic bike fan is Loh Seng Fook, who brought four of his seven classic scooters to the event.

The businessman has been collecting scooters since 2016.

“I like the Italian Vespa; the way it is made and its quality,” he said.

All of Loh’s collection pieces are from the 1950s and ‘60s, and are still in good condition.

He revealed that one of his Vespas was worth about RM21,000 when he bought it in 2019.

“There are people who ask about the price but I tell them that it is not for sale,” he said.

The event attracted 6,000 classic scooter owners from the region.

Jamboree organiser Mohd Aidzam Saffuan said the annual event at Tapak Pesta Sungai Nibong, Bayan Lepas, attracted some 15,000 visitors and 6,000 classic scooter owners from the region.

“This year’s event, touted as one of the largest gatherings of classic scooters, featured vintage models from as early as the 1950s,” he said.

Some 60 local music bands entertained the crowd during the three-day meet earlier this month.

Mohd Aidzam described the jamboree, which was supported by Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) and Penang government, as a success.

“The event aimed to establish the northern region as a hub for local and international motor groups, thereby attracting visitors to Penang through activities themed around classic vehicles,” he said.