1959 Lambretta Li 150 Series 1

At end of World War II (1945), Europe desperately needed cheap and economical transport to mobilize its citizens. In Italy, the development of the motor scooter provided the answer and two brands, Vespa and Lambretta, quickly dominated the market.

The Lambretta Li 150 Series 1 displayed here was manufactured by Innocenti, an Italian machinery works. This machine was the subject of a full, concours-standard restoration and is authentic down to the last detail, including the Ruby Red and Gray Dawn color scheme.

Launched in April 1958, the Lambretta Li 150 replaced the earlier LD Series and was an instant hit with the buying public. The stylish bodywork completely enclosed the motor, transmission and even the control cables, keeping oil, grease and road dirt off the rider.


Scooters became very popular with a new generation of riders, especially those who had little interest in traditional motorcycles and simply wanted to easily get around traffic-jammed European cities. Many owners wanted to customize their scooters, leading to numerous accessories becoming available – spare wheel carriers, seat covers, luggage, windshields – as well as high-performance engine tuning parts. The Lambretta quickly became a ‘60s style icon, matched only by their competitors, Vespa. Dozens of other manufacturers attempted to join the scooter boom, but none of their offerings were as successful.

In 1960s Britain, two conflicting youth subcultures emerged. The leather-clad ‘Rockers’ rode stripped-down British ‘café racer’ motorcycles; the clean-cut ‘Mods’ rode accessorized scooters. In the summer of 1964, the two groups clashed at seaside towns along the south coast, causing riots and outrage in the press, as well as with the British public.

**Specifications:**

* 148cc single-cylinder two stroke motor

* fan-assisted air cooling

* 4-speed transmission

* 60mpg

* 85mph top speed