Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 24th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 25th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1959 Lambretta Li/ Vespa GTS300 Hybrid
50s style with modern performance
Estimate
£2, 200 - £2, 500
Registration No: Not registered
Frame No: Not visible
MOT: None
Original 1959 Lambretta Li 150 chassis
c2008 Vespa GTS 'M454M' Auto engine
Supplied with original Li150 Buff Log Book
Large capacity scooter development appeared to stand still at the end of the 1960s, with enthusiast having to modify their geared, steel bodied Vespas and Lambrettas to keep pace with modern day traffic. Whilst there were plenty of 50cc autos available, it was only in the early 2000s when Vespa launched the GT125 and GT200 that you could buy a traditional looking scooter offering reliable 70MPH+ performance with brakes to match. This started a trend for enthusiasts trying to get the best of both worlds, the classic looks of a 1950s Lambretta with the speed and reliability of the new designs. Luckily, the Lambretta frame layout of a centrally placed engine lent itself to fitting the new water cooled, fuel injection engines from the Vepsa GTS250 and GTS300 models.
This Lambretta/ Vespa hybrid is from a deceased estate so unfortunately, not much is known of its history or build. The frame and bodywork started life as a 1959 Lambretta Li150 with the engine taken from a fuel injected Vepsa GTS. These FI models were either 250cc or 300cc, and the engine number M454M suggests this is a 300 version, but we have no paperwork to confirm this. A lot of clever engineering has been carried out to blend the two together, including keeping the 12" wheels and disc brakes of the GTS. The scooter is fitted with PM Tuning exhaust and starts and rides, but may need some recommissioning work before use. There is no V5C registration document but it will be supplied with the original Buff Log Book for the Li150, showing a registration number 338YRE. This number is no longer recognised by DVLA, but with the RF60 in place may be recoverable.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
