Lambretta

This book takes an in-depth look at the world finest scooter, including detailed information on the main Italian-built models, the Lambretta Concessionaires machines and 1960s British dealer specials.

The LI series was a fast-selling success for Innocenti - not just in its native Italy, but also in Britain, across Europe and the world. This illustrated book provides the full story, specifications, statistics, as well as quotes, and facts and feats.

An in-depth look at one of the world’s greatest scooter marques, including detailed information on the main Italian-built models, the Lambretta Concessionaires machines and British dealer specials.

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial} The first Lambretta rolled off the production line in October 1947. It was named after the Lambrate quarter of Milan, the site of Innocenti's factory, and designed by engineer Pierluigi Torre. The Lambretta was intended to provide cheap transport for postwar Italy, like the Vespa, although its concept was very different to that of its rival. Although production in Italy ceased in 1971, it carried on elsewhere and the Lambretta - at 50 - is still hugely popular with young and old alike.

Vespa and Lambretta remain the two most iconic motor scooter brands, even four decades after the latter's demise. But what made them such a European sensation in the postwar era? And why were they particularly popular in Britain in the 1950s and '60s? Motor scooter expert Stuart Owen explains the rise of Innocenti's Lambretta and Piaggio's Vespa, from the wartime ruins of Italy, through years of plenty as the two manufacturers exploited a ready market for affordable, economic transport, and then their decline into more uncertain times as motor cars trespassed on their success. He also explores the rich history of accessorising and customising the scooters, their essential role in the mod movement, and the revival in Vespa's fortunes following the release of the cult film Quadrophenia.

This companion volume to Vespa: An illustrated history charts the full history of the Italian Lambretta, from its introduction just after World War II by the Innocenti Company in Milan, through to 1972 when they stopped production and sold the tooling to the Lambretta manufacturer in India. Every Italian model is listed including mopeds and three-wheelers, giving production figures, spec and pictures for each one. The book features accessories such as workshop tools, product and advertising literature, calendars, handbooks and race records.

The Scooter Bible is an entertaining and authoritative photographic history of the little motorbikes that could, beginning with the first scooter in 1902 and continuing right through to modern electric scooters.