Lambretta: iconic Italian mobility and timeless design

Lambretta is a historic scooter brand that gained worldwide fame for its stylish and reliable two-wheelers. The brand's origins are in Milan, where it was founded in 1946 by Luigi Innocenti under the name Innocenti S.p.A. Originally, the company was engaged in the production of scaffolding pipes and tubes, but during World War II production was used for military purposes.

In the last year of the war, however, Innocenti was already beginning to look ahead. He saw a future in which affordable and reliable means of transport would be essential for the reconstruction of Europe. This led to the development of the Lambretta scooter, a practical and accessible means of transport that brought mobility within reach of ordinary citizens. Together with Vespa, Lambretta grew to become one of the most popular scooter brands of the 1950s and 1960s. The name 'Lambretta' is derived from the river Lambro, which flowed past the Innocenti factory.

Lambretta scooters were known for their robustness, reliability and affordability. This made them popular among a wide audience. Over the years, the brand launched several model series, some of which reached iconic status. Some well-known models are:

Lambretta A and B - The first production models from 1949 - 1950 of which the pictured Type B is an improved version with 8″ wheels instead of 7″ on Model A and updated front suspension and manual transmission.

Lambretta D and LD series (125 and 150 cc) - These models, with their distinctive 'kink' in the rear screen and a headlight that does not rotate with the steering wheel, soon became a familiar street sight.

LI 1st series (125 and 150 cc, TV 175 cc) - Recognisable by the fixed front screen and a non-rotating headlight.

LI 2nd series (125 and 150 cc, TV 175 cc) - This model introduced a rotating headlight on the handlebars, which provided better visibility while riding.

LI 3rd series - This series received a sleeker and more modern design, with straighter lines and retaining the engine configuration from the previous series.

Lambretta managed to stand out from the competition with its timeless designs and reliable technology. The brand became synonymous with freedom, style and practical urban transport. Although production ceased in Italy in 1973, Lambretta's legacy lives on in the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors around the world.