Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
30th Oct, 2024 11:00
1962 Lambretta Li 125/ 185
Beautifully restored with a 185cc kit
Estimate
£3, 500 - £4, 500
Registration No: 827 XWD
Frame No: 125L1* 033457*
MOT: Exempt
Excellent standard of paintwork and restoration
Standard 1962 Li125 fitted with 185cc big bore kit
Fitted with some nice chromework, includes a V5C
Ferdinando Innocenti had an engineering background having established his first workshop at the age of 18. Following the end of WW2, he, like many of his contemporary Italian industrialists required a product that would enable him to rebuild his shattered company based in the Milanese suburb of Lambrate. Therefore, the inspiration for the creation of the first Lambretta scooter can be found, like that of the rival Vespa, in the devastation that afflicted Italy following the Second World War and the country's desperate need for affordable transport. The new machine was unveiled at the 1947 Paris Show and featured a large tubular steel frame and was fitted with front and rear suspension. Power was provided by a two-stroke, single-cylinder engine with the early versions being offered as "open" models with no enclosure of the engine and only minimal leg shields and foot-boards but the introduction of the revised Model C in 1950 saw the option of an enclosed variant, the LC which established the appearance of the Lambretta for the rest of the fifties. By the 1960s the introduction of the Li range established the classic long and sleek Lambretta look that went on to become a style icon of the era culminating in the Bertone-designed 'Grand Prix' models of the late sixties.
This beautifully presented Lambretta 125 has been fully restored to a very high standard by its enthusiast vendor. The bodywork has been sandblasted back to bare metal and then professionally refinished in metallic red and grey. It was then rebuilt using stainless steel nuts and bolts wherever possible and fitted with many new parts including rubbers, cables, wheels rims, tyres, wiring harness, electrical switches and a new ignition switch. The engine has had a complete rebuild using new bearings, seals , gaskets, clutch plates, fitted with electronic ignition and finished off with a 185cc big bore kit. The scooter has some nice accessories including a rear carrier/ backrest holding a spare wheel, separate sprung saddles and a flyscreen. The standard of finish is excellent and a real credit to the restorer, it comes supplied with some receipts documenting the process a dating letter and a current V5C.
