The nicest people I’ve met on the roads are the ones who drive something old, beaten but obviously loved.

They are gentler, friendlier and kinder even. They have to be. When puttering around on a 40-year-old scooter that is likely held together by oversized screws and hope, you have to be nice, and patient. When the motor decides to take a break without warning you, you are at the mercy of the weather, other road users and unforgiving crows. But the time, effort and prayers spent on using an old vehicle brings about a greater appreciation for all things mechanical. You don’t get that when your first car is a fresh new Toyota provided by dad. That is often just a tool much like a toilet hand shower.

Which is why you see vintage car or bike gatherings have people smiling more, chatting and exchanging tips on how to not blow up. Check our Vespa meet round-up and the dapper riders in the coming pages.