The vendor describes this venerable Royal Blue Raleigh Wisp as being in ‘oily rag’ condition. It apparently runs, and has indeed done so recently. It also comes with a number plate, though without a current log book. Among its more obvious original features are the sizeable luggage rack and a pair of ‘ape hanger’ handle bars. The moped is now being sold at ‘No Reserve’ and therefore represents the possibility a cheap and cheerful commuting machine that would surely be faster, more practical and safer than an electric scooter – following, one assumes a modest degree of recommissioning.

By 1960, the Raleigh, Norman, Phillips and Hercules brands of moped were all under the same ownership and, in order to cost-effectively create a new range to serve them all, it was decided to rebadge the Mobylette line-up produced by the French concern of Motobécane. The main exception to these offerings was the Raleigh Wisp which, though it also relied on Mobylette running gear, was built around one of Raleigh’s own pedal cycle frames. Known as the RSW16, the frame was a direct competitor to the all-conquering Moulton bicycle, and therefore Raleigh’s attempt to cash-in on the small-wheel cycle boom that became one of the more modest symbols of the ‘swinging sixties’.

In summary:

• A trendy survivor of the ‘swinging sixties’
• In ‘oily rag’ condition but with running engine
• Comes complete with a number plate but without log book