Description
This motorcycle is Lot 369 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on October 10th – 11th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 201 - 407 are to be sold from 11AM local time on Sunday 11th October 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 10th & 11th October 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 369
1968 Lambretta Li 125 Special
Registration no. EUG 313F
Frame no. 125L1S* 875910
Engine no. S602* 005805* (see text)
Although best remembered these days as a 1960s style icon favoured by the fashion conscious 'Mods', the Lambretta motor scooter - together with Piaggio's rival Vespa - had been intended as basic transport for the non-enthusiast masses. Manufactured by the Italian industrial giant Innocenti, the Lambretta gained instant acceptance in the immediate post-war years, its cleanliness and convenience in particular appealing to those who regarded the true motorcycle with suspicion.
Following the unreliable TV 175 Series 1, Lambretta went back to the drawing board to create one of its all-time greats: the 'Li'. Built as a 125 or 150, the classic Li used the bore/ stroke dimensions of the preceding 'D' Series but housed its entirely new engine in modern bodywork similar to that of the TV. The Li twins subsequently underwent a series of styling alterations, the Series 3 offered here being readily distinguishable by the handlebar-mounted headlight and 'slimline' styling that is for many enthusiasts the definitive Lambretta look. Built between 1965 to 1969, the Special model, as seen here, was a higher performance version of the DL
The accompanying HPI report notes prior overseas registration, with first UK registration dated 25th July 2002 and one previous recorded UK keeper. Acquired by the late owner at auction in March 2024, the scooter has remained unused since purchase. At the time of sale it was described as being fitted with a large-capacity engine; it would start but suffered from running issues and would cut out intermittently. As such, the machine will require recommissioning and potentially restoration to a greater or lesser degree.
Please note that the V5C records engine number '125L1S* 875830', which corresponds to the separate, detached and incomplete spare engine supplied with the scooter. The origin of the current engine is unknown; online sources suggest that the 'S602' prefix may denote Indian manufacture. (Innocenti's DL scooter tooling had been sold to an Indian concern in 1972.)
The machine is offered with the following:
V5C document
2002 Lambretta Club Great Britain Dating Letter listing the chassis number and the engine number of the detached spare incomplete engine.
Expired MoTs. gov. uk records the last MoT in May 2017, the odometer then displaying 48 miles. The odometer now reads 118 miles, presumably since restoration.
Post-restoration image and chassis number rubbing.
Two 2017 invoices for sundry parts.
2024 auction purchase invoice
Spare detached and incomplete engine numbered '125L1S* 875830'
Following a period of inactivity, this machine will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding. Offered with ignition key only.
£3, 500 - 4, 500
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, mileage, engine capacity and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
