Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In the 1970s, while most of us were buzzing around on Fizzies or Hondas, there was one machine that truly smacked our gobs - the Fantic Chopper.
Endorsed by Dick Emery and boasting a then-unheard-of six-speed gearbox, this Italian maverick was the ultimate status symbol in the school bike shed.
Today, we’re taking a look back at the history of this flashy 50cc icon, from its first UK imports in 1972 to its skyrocketing value on the auction block today.
Support 3Phils:
Subscribe for more classic bike history: youtube.com/@3Phils
Join our Channel Membership: youtube.com/channel/UCZwqIv_kZu7FoKb_wqePPdw/join
Super Thanks: If you enjoyed the video, look for the 'Thanks' button under the player!
Send me a tip via Buy Me A Coffee:
buymeacoffee.com/3Phils
3Phils Beard Balm: Grab a pocket-sized tin here: etsy.com/uk/listing/1856690170/sandalwood-scented-beard-balm-handmade?sr_prefetch=1&pf_from=shop_home&ref=shop_home_active_3&logging_key=08357274ecafbf6dba49d988f524754db4162d39%3A1856690170
Let's Connect:
What was in your school bike shed back in the day? Let us know in the comments!
Credits and links:
Clips from several Fantic Motor publicity videos are used, you can find them all on the official Fantic Motor YouTube channel here: youtube.com/@UC_7zBhbEsVA3cfZYV97bAjw
Fantic chopper 1975 Minarelli P6 50cc - jakob lauridsen
youtube.com/watch?v=GUyMBNkcy9Y
Motorcycle Love Affair | 1975 British Motorcycle Safety Film - Classic Bike Channel
youtube.com/watch?v=E4coDjsSfuc
Born Again Bikers, North Yorkshire Police - Digifish Ltd
youtube.com/watch?v=2VnB3Fly7zU
Fantic Chopper 50 cc - goaremm
youtube.com/watch?v=xnPdQ-PxRSA
Fantic Chopper - Motorcycles Unlimited
youtube.com/watch?v=IVfkoKoTB84&t=26s
1983 Fantic 240 Professional Trials Bike Cold Start - David Hostetter
youtube.com/watch?v=xotZSLE0DrA
Fantic Motor 1989 Trial World Championship - Reto Trial Park
youtube.com/watch?v=R3vDH8x5GZE&t=180s
'FEDE' FREGNAN: FANTIC 125 CROSS E 250 ENDURO - Motocross Magazine
youtube.com/watch?v=en4uJF66CIo
Chapters:
00:00 - The Fantic Chopper: A 70s Icon
01:00 - The History of Fantic Motor (Est. 1968)
01:52 - Dick Emery & The 16er Special Market
02:22 - The 1971 Moped Law & Its Impact
03:08 - The Easy Rider Influence
04:07 - The Cost of the Dream: 330 Quid in 1972
05:02 - What Happened to Fantic?
06:01 - The Modern Era: Caballero & Stealth
07:17 - How Much is a Fantic Chopper Worth Today?
07:57 - Support 3Phils: Membership & Super Thanks
#FanticChopper #70sMopeds #ClassicBikes #MopedHistory #3Phils #TwoStroke
In the 1970s, while most of us were buzzing around on Fizzies or Hondas, there was one machine that truly smacked our gobs - the Fantic Chopper.
Endorsed by Dick Emery and boasting a then-unheard-of six-speed gearbox, this Italian maverick was the ultimate status symbol in the school bike shed.
Today, we’re taking a look back at the history of this flashy 50cc icon, from its first UK imports in 1972 to its skyrocketing value on the auction block today.
Support 3Phils:
Subscribe for more classic bike history: youtube.com/@3Phils
Join our Channel Membership: youtube.com/channel/UCZwqIv_kZu7FoKb_wqePPdw/join
Super Thanks: If you enjoyed the video, look for the 'Thanks' button under the player!
Send me a tip via Buy Me A Coffee:
buymeacoffee.com/3Phils
3Phils Beard Balm: Grab a pocket-sized tin here: etsy.com/uk/listing/1856690170/sandalwood-scented-beard-balm-handmade?sr_prefetch=1&pf_from=shop_home&ref=shop_home_active_3&logging_key=08357274ecafbf6dba49d988f524754db4162d39%3A1856690170
Let's Connect:
What was in your school bike shed back in the day? Let us know in the comments!
Credits and links:
Clips from several Fantic Motor publicity videos are used, you can find them all on the official Fantic Motor YouTube channel here: youtube.com/@UC_7zBhbEsVA3cfZYV97bAjw
Fantic chopper 1975 Minarelli P6 50cc - jakob lauridsen
youtube.com/watch?v=GUyMBNkcy9Y
Motorcycle Love Affair | 1975 British Motorcycle Safety Film - Classic Bike Channel
youtube.com/watch?v=E4coDjsSfuc
Born Again Bikers, North Yorkshire Police - Digifish Ltd
youtube.com/watch?v=2VnB3Fly7zU
Fantic Chopper 50 cc - goaremm
youtube.com/watch?v=xnPdQ-PxRSA
Fantic Chopper - Motorcycles Unlimited
youtube.com/watch?v=IVfkoKoTB84&t=26s
1983 Fantic 240 Professional Trials Bike Cold Start - David Hostetter
youtube.com/watch?v=xotZSLE0DrA
Fantic Motor 1989 Trial World Championship - Reto Trial Park
youtube.com/watch?v=R3vDH8x5GZE&t=180s
'FEDE' FREGNAN: FANTIC 125 CROSS E 250 ENDURO - Motocross Magazine
youtube.com/watch?v=en4uJF66CIo
Chapters:
00:00 - The Fantic Chopper: A 70s Icon
01:00 - The History of Fantic Motor (Est. 1968)
01:52 - Dick Emery & The 16er Special Market
02:22 - The 1971 Moped Law & Its Impact
03:08 - The Easy Rider Influence
04:07 - The Cost of the Dream: 330 Quid in 1972
05:02 - What Happened to Fantic?
06:01 - The Modern Era: Caballero & Stealth
07:17 - How Much is a Fantic Chopper Worth Today?
07:57 - Support 3Phils: Membership & Super Thanks
#FanticChopper #70sMopeds #ClassicBikes #MopedHistory #3Phils #TwoStroke
