c.1965 Lambretta SX150

c.1965 Lambretta SX150
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. SX150 x756034*
Engine no. SX150 * 755560*
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, ending up with the handlebar-mounted headlight and 'slimline' styling that is for many enthusiasts the definitive Lambretta look. By the early 1960s the TV has been revamped as the Series 2, using a bored-to-175cc version of the proven Li engine, while the 'high performance' concept pioneered by the TV was duly extended to Lambretta's smaller models in the form of 'Special' and 'SX' versions.

The example offered here appears to be in original and un-restored condition. There are no documents with this Lot.