1954 Lambretta LD125 Motor Scooter

1954 Lambretta LD125 Motor Scooter
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. LD125 12142
Engine no. to be advised
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. Introduced in 1947, the first Lambretta 'A' employed an open frame with pressed-steel front section and tubular rear, in which sat a 125cc two-stroke engine, setting the pattern for all Lambrettas to follow. While the 'A' was relatively crude, the 'B' model (1948-1950) boasted rear suspension, a twist-grip gear change, and larger (8") wheels. The A's small wheels had not been liked but in its new form the Lambretta gained mass acceptance; by the end of 1950 Innocenti was producing up to 100 per day. Predecessor of the Li and TV series, the LD arrived in 125cc form in 1951 and became available with a 150cc engine three years later. The LD 125's engine produced 4.8bhp, giving the model a top speed of around 45mph. LD production continued until the end of the 1950s.

Previously registered in France, this LD125 comes with a cancelled French Carte Grise and 'certificate of ownership transfer' recording its sale to one Paul Broadbent of Lichfield on 2nd November 2006.