TestImonials
I cannot recommend Alans services and skills highly enough. Alan is a brilliant craftsman. Once you’ve seen the scooters, bikes and vintage car that he has restored over the years, you won’t want to go anywhere else. There isn’t anything that he can’t fix, repair or remake to help you with your project. He is an incredible engineer with such a passion for classic scooters. He has single handedly reinvigorated the classic scooter scene in Christchurch, allowing many of us to see our scoot dreams made into reality, and allows us to ride the all over the South Island, and is an active member in a number of scooter clubs in Christchurch. Alan is also a fantastic communicator. Don’t underestimate how much of a luxury this is when it comes to repairing or restoring a classic vehicle in todays world ! He listens to what you want, then will present you with a number of differently priced options, and let's you chose what you want done. He sends progress photos as he goes, letting feel a part of the rebuild or restoration project.
He has worked on a number of scooter ( and larger bike ) projects for me over the years.These include:
- Vespa PX complete engine rebuild ( bearings, seals, new clutch, variable timing ) and adding a Malossi 210 top end it. So far I’ve ridden this rebuild for nearly 15,000 km, and it hasn’t missed a beat ( including just completing a 2,200 km round trip to the Coromandel ! )
- Vespa 50 engine complete rebuild ( bearings, seals, clutch , electronic conversion 0) with a Malossi 112 top end kit
-Vespa PX complete front end suspension rebuild. This makes a huge difference to the front end feel and safety.He oversaw a significant panel and paint of some of the scoot at this time
-Triumph Bonneville custom rear seat fabrication, and LED indicator conversion
-we are currently working on a Lambretta Li150 electronic conversion kit
Im sure I will not be alone in whole heartedly recommending Alan, along with many others in the Canterbury area ( and further afield ).
Dean Cassidy
​​​​​​'As an Auckland based scooterist with 10 vespas and Lambrettas, I've had a lot of help and assistance from Alan at Classic Scooter Garage; parts supply, engine rebuilds as well as just helpful advice and support. It's clear that Alan's motivation and enthusiasm comes from keeping as many of these old italian scooters on the road as he can; he is a passionate enthusiast and generous with his time and effort to help people out.
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Old world service and care and in a world where that's becoming a very rare thing. Can't recommend highly enough'
Matt, Auckland
Alan is second to none in his integrity, expertise and commitment to service. He has restored my faith in mechanics.
Alan has been advising, servicing and upgrading my Vespa’s for well over a year now. Examples are suspension, complete engine rebuilds and tuned to name a few. His very well stocked workshop and close relationship with SIP Scooter Shop for parts, has made the process effortless. He will take the time to listen and will advise you of the best solutions and he will take the time show you how things work.
No point going anywhere else, Alan is the expert you need. Happy returning customer.
Lawrence Thomas
Christchurch
I am based in Auckland, and have used Alan extensively since the sad demise of Retroscooter as 2-stroke scooter specialists.
I own a couple of PX’s with Pinasco 225 and 251 kits, and have found Alan’s close relationship with SIP to be invaluable in respect of parts ordering and provision of component technical advice. His weekly SIP orders and fast dispatch from Germany, and then subsequent dispatch from Alan to the customer is much appreciated in terms of delivery times and cost (through postage-sharing).
I have also shipped a scooter from Auckland to Alan in Christchurch using his recommended courier for engine tuning work, and was most appreciative of his communications, technical expertise, workmanship and quick turn-around time. To my mind the only area for improvement in Alan’s services would be for him to relocate to Auckland!
John, Auckland
I purchased my first Vespa, a Primavera 150cc in 2018 and was introduced to Alan when I joined the
Canterbury scooter club. It was apparent early on that he came with a reputation and is the expert I
needed to keep my scooter in top shape. I know nothing about engineering which is why I rely
totally on Alan to look after my scooter to keep me riding safely. He is quick at identifying the repairs
needed and there is always a fast turnaround. He is patient, friendly and trustworthy, and nothing’s
ever a problem. I’m indebted to his expertise and totally recommend Alan for any scooter repairs
and advice.
Sandy Crane
Christchurch
I have dealt with Alan on many occasions, from Classic Scooter Garage in Christchurch, and I have to say, it’s inspiring to see someone so dedicated to their craft.
Alan has taken the leap of faith to set up his own business, and it's clear he’s passionate about Vespas, scooter parts, and rebuilds.
From the moment you walk in, you will see you are dealing with someone who truly knows their stuff.
Alan’s can-do attitude is evident in every aspect of the service he provides—whether it’s sourcing hard-to-find parts or tackling complex rebuilds, he makes it look easy.
Robin Blair
Dunedin
Alan's completed a wide range of engine, running gear and body work on my three Vespa's over the years, including my beloved GS160 and a reasonably serious performance kit rebuild on my smallframe ET3 (doubling the horsepower!!).
He is very experienced, very skilled, very reasonably priced, and a pleasure to deal with. I've really appreciated his patience in explaining the options, letting me know what he would recommend doing, and accepting whatever decision i make - usually agreeing with him of course, but cost is always a factor and he's realistic not everyone will pay the extra for the best possible outcome.
If you've got a scooter you wish was reliable enough to enjoy riding, Al's the man you need to meet.
Simon Adamson
There isn’t any dead or dying scooter that Alan can’t get back to life . His skill is hearing or smelling a scooter and being able to diagnose the issue and knowing a quick and effective way to fix it. I've seen him do this on the side of the road. His garage is more of an intensive care ward for the heavier users amongst us....
Quick and thorough -- he's undertaken many engine rebuilds for me and always surprises with his skill, kindness and quick work. Can't recommend him highly enough
James 'Chalky' Davies
Auckland
Alan is passionate and extremely knowledgeable about scooters.
He has worked hard helping me upgrade my 1981 Vespa Bajaj 150 Super. it wasn't running well and needed a lot of work .
There were lots of intricacies with the repairs that required his skills and knowledge to get it right. He is friendly and always happy to help and share a few stories.
I would absolutely recommend Alan for any scooter repairs.
Geoff van Dam, Christchurch