1963 Lambretta Li150, 175cc (see text). Registration number ...

Hammer

£4,100

1963 Lambretta Li150, 175cc (see text). Registration number YKE 538A. Frame number 150Li 3 633850. Engine number 150Li 633587.
Although best remembered these days as a 1960s style icon favoured by the fashion conscious ‘Mods’, the Lambretta motor scooter - together with Piaggio’s rival Vespa - had been intended as basic transport for the non-enthusiast masses. Manufactured by the Italian industrial giant Innocenti, the Lambretta gained instant acceptance in the immediate post-war years, its cleanliness and convenience in particular appealing to those who regarded the true motorcycle with suspicion. By the late 1950s, the scooter had begun to evolve into a larger and faster machine capable of two-up touring. Piaggio led the way with its 150 GS, to which Innocenti responded with the Lambretta TV 175. The latter was all new and incorporated innovations (for Lambretta) of enclosed chain drive and a four-speed gearbox. While the styling was an undisputed success, the engine proved troublesome and the first TV was a failure.
Following the unreliable TV 175 Series 1, Lambretta went back to the drawing board to create one of its all-time greats: the ‘Li’. Built as a 125 or 150, the classic Li used the bore/stroke dimensions of the preceding ‘D’ Series but housed its entirely new engine in modern bodywork similar to that of the TV. The Li twins subsequently underwent a series of styling alterations, the Series 3 offered here being readily distinguishable by the handlebar-mounted headlight and ‘slimline’ styling that is for many enthusiasts the definitive Lambretta look.
Little is known of YKE's early history, although it is believed to have been in a 40 year ownership before passing to a son. In 2000 it was shown at a local show in Norfolk and was re registered with DVLA in 2005 with an MOT at 16,591 km, gentle use over the years saw this rise iring the restoration the barrel was changed to a 175cc example with a Jetex 22 mm carb, front damper kit and a stainless steel exhaust, The wiring upgraded to 12 volts, along with a large selection of lights and mirrors.
Our vendor purchased it as a display piece so it will need recommissioning before use on the road.
Sold with V5C, some spares, and various paperwork.