Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
29th Mar, 2023 12:00
1963 Lambretta Li150
Series Three
Estimate
£2, 250 - £2, 750
Registration No: XJA 116A
Frame No: 150L13683385
Engine No: 150L1683850
CC: 150
MOT: Exempt
From a private collection
Vendor describes as in 'Full working order'
Current V5C
Ferdinando Innocenti had an engineering background having established his first workshop at the age of 18. Following the end of WW2, he, like many of his contemporary Italian industrialists required a product that would enable him to rebuild his shattered company based in the Milanese suburb of Lambrate. Therefore, the inspiration for the creation of the first Lambretta scooter can be found, like that of the rival Vespa, in the devastation that afflicted Italy following the Second World War and the country's desperate need for affordable transport. The new machine was unveiled at the 1947 Paris Show and featured a large tubular steel frame and was fitted with front and rear suspension. Power was provided by a two-stroke, single-cylinder engine with the early versions being offered as "open" models with no enclosure of the engine and only minimal leg shields and foot-boards but the introduction of the revised Model C in 1950 saw the option of an enclosed variant, the LC which established the appearance of the Lambretta for the rest of the fifties. By the 1960s the introduction of the Li range established the classic long and sleek Lambretta look that went on to become a style icon of the era culminating in the Bertone-designed 'Grand Prix' models of the late sixties.
The Li Series 3 first appeared in December 1961 and replaced the very successful Series 2 model. The new design was extremely popular and ran for almost 6 years until production ended in late 1967 laying laid down the classic 'Slimstyle' look that typifies Lambrettas in the 1960s. This attractive scooter in Red and White has been in a small private collection for a few years and the vendor reports that it is in 'full working order'. It comes fitted with a matching two-tone seat, a rear backrest and rear carrier and is accompanied by a current V5C.
