• Featured in last month's Scootering magazine (June's addition)
The Appeal
The Lambretta LD series of scooters is regarded as the model that launched the parent firm, Innocenti, into global expansion.
It soon became a popular sight on UK roads as its sensible 'step-through' ergonomics and mechanical accessibility provided the customer with a stylish and practical method of transport.
The Lambretta LD was defined by their use of a rigid tubular frame and the potential for tuning and along with its Vespa rival, became the adopted vehicle of choice for the smartly attired, soul-music loving Mods, and sealed its reputation as a desirable piece of popular culture.
This 1957 150 LD MKIII is one of the later types of the LD models, characterised by its epicyclical kick-starter, uprated mechanical and sensible cockpit layout.
This English Blue and Turquoise two-tone finished example is considered the most desirable and usable of the shaft-driven Lambrettas.
It has undergone a complete nut and bolt restoration, with sympathetic attention to the finishing details, which include a bored out engine, leather-trimmed seats, and its original controls.
The bike's first owner bought it brand new in Bognor Regis and is likely to have kept it for the next four decades, with evidence indicating that it was actively ridden until 1974, when it had logged little over 8,000 miles.
The bike comes with a wonderful period photograph taken by the owner a few months after he took delivery of the bike, in addition to its original logbook.
There are also a few MOTs from the 1960s and 1970s, the car's original handbook, a couple of spare Lambretta emblems, and a few insurance documents, with the first owner listed as the first keeper.
After 2 decades of storage, the bike was then placed for sale at the Beaulieu Autojumble in 1993 and acquired by a Scooter collector but had apparently languished for another 30 or so years at the back of a London garage ever since.
The current owner is a well-established servicing and repair business, with a proven talent for bespoke restorations.
First 4 Service of Beaconsfield embarked on a 6-month complete strip down, nut and bolt restoration including a bored-out engine and a handful of delightful details.
The procedure was definitely a labour of love, with many original pieces being refurbished and the rest being made out of readily available, high-quality parts purchased from specialists.
The owner wanted to keep the bikes original appearance but added a few elegant details, such as leather seating to replace the original plastic covers, a matching luggage set and crash helmet to complete the look, and a number of original spec chrome trim embellishments.
The bike had one previous owner according to the last V5 issued in 1993, and it is the topic of a feature in June 2022 edition of Scootering Magazine.
One of the few non-standard features on the bike is the replacement of the original plastic seat coverings with hard-wearing leather.
Motivated to match the seats with a period leather suitcase set, the owner enlisted the help of an expert to match the colour and style, highlighting the importance of the meticulous attention to detail that went into restoring the Lambretta.
The finishing touch comes courtesy of the Aviakit period helmet, a renowned motorcycle clothing company. The controls include the original speedometer and fuel gauge (incorporated with the cap) along with its fuel tap complemented by what appears to be the original rubber throttle and gear control grips.
Part of the charm of the bike's originality is retained by its light wear, which is a consideration that the owner chose to retain.
The luggage box is clean, with a functional lock and key.
The body casing is defined by the exceptional finish of the attractive two-tone blue paint finish, the application is near perfect with even coverage, no evidence of poor masking, overspray, road chip or wear damage.
The legshield, cowling side panels, horncast and mudguard metal components are in excellent condition, with no issues noted on the footboards or the fully restored frame.
Any white marks observed on the photos are the results of residue from the polish. All of the chrome work has seen a renovation, with some parts such as the front chrome bar being subject to a painstaking process to resurrect the badly corroded original.
Other notable details, which include the distinctive mudguard embellisher trim, horn casing, headlamp and cowling detail are in as-new condition. The owner has pointed out that the restoration was carried out to replicate the original style of the bike rather than kit it out as a chrome-heavy example.
With this in mind, the bike is fitted with new rubber leg shield trim and floor runner strips, which helps to even out the visual balance. The Innocenti labelled headlamps and rear lense are in excellent shape with no damage or fade.
The tyres are new items and have not seen any form of mileage, with no marks or wear damage observed on the near-perfect steel wheels.
Powered by a two-stroke single-cylinder 148cc engine with a three-speed gearbox, which has all been rebuilt and bored out as part of the process.
The owner has tested the engine and it fires up and runs with no issues but has not been ridden at any sizeable distance. The handlebar levers, incorporating the clutch and brakes are believed to be in functional working order.
Both the floor-mounted brake and kick start pedals are in good condition and are well sprung. The horn and lighting system are in visually good condition and are also believed to work.
The physical components such as the engine block, exhaust, forks and brake assembly are in excellent condition, as to be expected for a bike that has just been restored.
As a piece of social British history, this beautifully finished Lambretta 150 LD has a fascinating provenance and the remarkable combination of historic artefacts, combined with a sympathetic restoration contribute to what could well be considered one of the most eye-catching Lambretta 150 LD currently on the market.
While there is no doubt that it could be used on the open road, the detailing and exquisite nature of the restoration lend themselves perfectly as a show queen, or possibly as a static piece as a visitor attraction or display.
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1958 Lambretta 150 LD
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