by Jim » Sat Sep 06, 2008 2:34 pm
Hiya Modmuffin ! The Parka is the all essential item of clothing for any serious 'Mod', and all new guys coming to the scootering scene ask this question at some point.
The price of Parkas vary quite a bit throughout the year- in summer they drop down in price quite a bit- I bought mine a few years ago during a really hot spell in July (ah the good ol' days!) for a silly low price. At this time of year, going into winter, they start rising in price- just before xmas they are top dollar.
Lots of clothing manufaturers have jumped onto the Mod look, and even M'n'S have had a stab at it! But as Chris said, US issue is the real thing. Most Parkas available for sale at the mo (army surplus stores and Ebay) are the M65, with detachable cold weather lining and 'wired' detachable hood, usually with white fur trim. These go for between £40 - £80. At the moment, 'modclothin.com' have a good deal -£55 including postage.(Available through Ebay)
You can also pick them up at events such as the VW fest, which we went to earlier on in the year- and of course, you can always haggle a bit for a bit of a discount for 'cash'!
Of course, the best Parka is the M51, which when they come up for sale (not very often) go for £200 - £300. These have an attached hood which is a better size than the hood on the M65, which is a little on the large size!
Incidentally, M51 and M65 relate to the initial year of issue- 1951 and 1965. (sorry, sounding a bit like an anorak here!)
Also remember that the sizes come up pretty big!
Anyway, good luck, and we look forward to seeing you out on yer scoot, with yer new Parka!
Cheerz,Jim