Lot 408: 1962 Phillips Panda MkIII Moped

Part of the Raleigh group, Phillips enjoyed a brief presence in the moped market during the early 1960s. The firm’s first products, powered by Rex and Villiers engines, were introduced in 1959 under the ‘Gadabout’ and Panda’ model names, which continued after production switched to Raleigh-based machines at the end of 1962. Raleigh’s mopeds were built-under-licence Motobécanes, the Phillips versions being the single-speed, ‘twist ’n go’ Panda MkIII and Gadabout MkIV, the latter featuring variable-ratio automatic transmission, swinging-arm rear suspension and a dualseat. Last used in 1969 and kept stored in a summerhouse for over 20 years, this Panda MkIII moped has had only two owners from new. Recently started and test-ridden on its owner’s driveway, the machine is offered with old-style logbook.