Highlights

Rebuilt in 2012 to resemble a 1960s Lambretta SX200
Tastefully finished in an attractive, period-correct factory colour scheme
Huge file of invoices
Matching numbers

The Appeal

By the time the Lambretta Special X models (SX150 and SX200) were launched in 1966, scootering had come a long way from its origins as economy transport for war-ravaged Italians.

A chic, modern æsthetic led to it being embraced as a style accessory, and this was scarcely more apparent than in Britain, where they became as integral to the lives of sharp-dressed young Mods as rhythm-and-blues and the latest Italian tailoring.

With subtle updates to the ‘Slimstyle’ bodywork, plenty of chrome and flashy colour schemes, the SX200 was made very much for the style-conscious scooterist. It also went down well with scooter racers, thanks to the 11bhp engine giving a top speed of 66 mph.

Only 20,000 SX200s were built by Lambretta before production ended in 1969, but it lived on in Spain, where licensed production by Serveta had begun in 1966. These were marketed as Jet 200s, though they retained SX200 frame and engine numbers.

Early Jet 200s were near-identical to the SX200s, although they used some locally-made parts. After Innocenti folded in 1972, a number of cosmetic changes were introduced and they reverted to drum brakes, remaining in production until 1984.

In the ’80s and ’90s scootering scene, late Jet 200s weren’t so sought after, but they are now appreciated as classics in their own right. Even so, they remain a popular base for SX200 replicas and the fact remains that the 1960s SX200 is more of a looker than the late ’70s Jet 200.

See the before and after photos of this one – it really looks stunning now it’s been rebuilt with SX200 bodywork. All the work has been completed to a high standard and there are lots of invoices for new parts, so it should be a reliable and eye-catching machine for scooter rallies or just running around town this summer.

The History and Paperwork

First registered with the DVLA in August 2012
When offered for sale in 2012, it was silver and resident in St. Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, with a believed genuine mileage of 11,500km (7145 miles)
Beautifully rebuilt by Hemel Scooter Services as an SX200 replica
Mileage records show the odometer was reset and it covered 5000 miles between 2012 and 2017, but has only covered 200 miles since 2017
Purchased by the vendor, a prominent motorcycle collector, in 2018
Paperwork includes the current V5, a DVLA Number Plate Authorisation Certificate for HLK 117T, MoT certificates from 2012 to 2016, several invoices from Scooter Restorations and BeedSpeed dating from 2012, and a dating certificate from the Vintage Motor Scooter Club
There is no invoice from Hemel Scooter Services, but there is a photographic record of the rebuild

The Condition

Stunning presentation in original SX200 colours
Usefully accessorized with backrest and spare wheel
Seat covering looks almost brand-new

It’s so bright and vibrant that it’s difficult to believe that it would have been offered on a relatively cheap form of transport in the 1960s, but this Candy Red and White was an original option for export-market SX200s when new, and doesn’t it look fantastic? It is, we think, quite an improvement over the uninspiring silver-grey which this scooter had been previously.

As we can see from the mileage records, this scooter has not seen any extensive use since 2012, especially since 2017, so it’s not surprising that the paint finish, which is between five and 10 years old, still looks very fresh.

If we go over the Lambretta with a magnifying glass, we may find one two blemishes in the paint, such as a couple of tiny chips on one of the side panels and the footboards, but it is close to perfect and, unless you intend to go trophy-hunting, we don’t think it leaves anything to be desired.

The seat was evidently recovered around the time the scooter was painted, and that also looks exceptional.

We know it has seen only very light and infrequent use and it shows, since it could almost pass for brand-new, with just a few light marks on the back which cannot easily be seen.

All the trim and brightwork is in very good condition, with all the original items benefitting from just a light patina, while some of the replacement parts still look new.

The invoices show that a lot of new parts were used in the rebuild, including the handlebar levers and an SX200-style speedometer.

The Mechanics

Original SX200 engine
Starts and runs beautifully
Last MoTed in 2018
Used very sparingly in recent years

Although it has spent the past four years in a collection and has only covered 200 miles in that time, it has not been neglected in the slightest.

The vendor has taken care of all necessary maintenance, with the result that the Lambretta is offered for sale in excellent running order. It fires up easily and runs with the consistent, even buzz which can only come from a 1950s or ’60s scooter engine.

Although there is no record of an engine rebuild, if this Lambretta really has covered no more than 12,000 miles, as its history suggests, then it is unlikely to have ever needed one. Even so, all the suspension, steering and brakes had to come apart during the rebuild, and have evidently been reassembled to a high standard.

Without a current MoT, we cannot make any guarantees as to roadworthiness, but it was last MoTed in 2018 with a single advisory note that ‘the front brake indicates a slight fluctuation of brake effort’. Even so, it has been stored and maintained well, so is very unlikely to have deteriorated.

The vendor reports that it rides just as it should do, so we can so no reason why this shouldn’t be all ready for summer scootering.

Summary

Among enthusiasts, the Lambretta SX200 ranks as one of the most desirable classic scooters, but for many people, especially those who just want to enjoy riding, it makes more sense to buy a later Spanish Jet 200 complete with SX engine, and dress it up with 1960s parts.

Essentially, what you get is a scooter which is as nice as any SX200, but which you’re not afraid to get out and enjoy.

This example has been executed extremely well and should impress even the most clued-up scooter enthusiasts.

It’s been built to a very high standard, used sparingly and meticulously maintained, so it’ll be great for summer and should be well-received at any scooter rally or Mod weekend.

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