1959 Lambretta Li 150 Series 1 Scooter
Inexpensive transportation with comfort and style
Suitable for in city or country driving
Very popular in European Cultures for all riders
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 Li 150 replaced the earlier LD Series and was an instant hit with the buying public.
After World War 2, with shortages of steel and fuel, Europe desperately needed inexpensive 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. Carrying 2 adults comfortably with a step-through frame, the stylish bodywork completely enclosed the motor, transmission, and even the control cables, keeping oil, grease and road dirt off the rider and passenger. The frame layout was very accommodating to women’s apparel and ladies were often seen driving and riding.
In the 60s, scooters became very popular with a new generation of riders, especially those who had little interest in traditional motorcycles and simply wanted to get around traffic-jammed European cities more easily. 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. Lambretta quickly became a ‘60s style icon, matched only by their competitors, Vespa. Dozens of other manufacturers attempted to join the scooter boom, but until Japanese manufacturers entered the market in the 1980s, the Italian duo dominated the early scooter scene. Today scooters are still staples of city transportation and remain popular in resort and beach towns such as Newport.
Specifications
Engine:148cc single-cylinder two-stroke motor; fan-assisted air cooling, 4-speed manual transmission
Performance: 60mpg, top speed 85mph
Weight: 231lbs