MODS RULE! 'Quadrophenia' Scooter Revs at Auction

Lambretta used in iconic '70s film goes
for more than expected

The Lambretta scooter ridden by actor James "Jimmy" Cooper in the iconic 1970s rock-themed film "Quadrophenia" has sold today for the impressive sum of 36,000 pounds ($55,200) at auction, according to the BBC. The selling price had been listed at between 20,000 to 25,000 pounds.

The scooter was discovered rusting in a garden in Southsea, Portsmouth, by Paul Marsh. He realized that it was the bike from the movie because of its distinctive number plate.

"We have a few items from 'Quadrophenia' come through the auction house but a scooter is very rare, said Stephanie Connell, of Bonhams, which held the auction.

"It has been fully restored and is in great condition. We are expecting a lot of interest."

The Lambretta become an integral part of British youth culture in the 1960s as a favourite mode of transport of the fashion-conscious Modernists. With their stylish attire and spiffy scooters, the Mods were, according to the movie, locked in a kind of war with the leather-clad Rockers, for whom motorcycles were the only way to travel. The rock band The Who and its central creative force, Pete Townsend, played an integral role in "Quadrophenia," which helped launch the acting careers of a number of superstars, including Sting.