1956 Lambretta LD 150 (French model)
No Reserve

Registration No: Unregistered
Frame No: 503785
Engine No: 505004
CC: 150
MOT: Exempt

• Imported from France
• Good solid basis for restoration
• Original condition version of the rarer 150cc model
• Correct numbers.

During World War II Ferdinando Innocenti ran a steel tubing factory in the Lambrate district of Milan in northern Italy, producing components for the Italian Air Force and construction. After the war Innocenti needed to find a new product in order for his business to survive. Inspired by the Cushman scooters that the US army imported into Italy Innocenti realised he could apply many of the parts that the factory was already producing to motor scooter production. Innocenti started production of Lambretta scooters in 1947, the year after Piaggio started production of its Vespa models.

In 1950 Innocenti granted Robert Fenwick, a manufacturer of utility vehicles the rights to manufacture the LD models in France in the city of Troyes. The first versions to be sold were direct Italian imports. In 1952 production started of French built LD’s and these had a variety of differences from the Italian models. These changes were mainly due to French regulations for example there were 4 different horn castings to accommodate a slightly larger headlamp requirements. The choke, fuel filler and fuel taps were moved to arguably a more convenient location (something Innocenti later copies on subsequent Italian models). Societe Industrielle de Troyes produced almost 200,000 scooters and 10,000 three wheelers in its scooter production time and these are regarded as high quality attractive Lambretta variants now by collectors.

This example is of the rarer larger engined 150cc variant. It has a good general patina, is solid and is considered a fine basis for restoration. Many of the important parts including original lights, speedometer, frame plate, vanity mirror and Troyes coat of arms badge are present. The carburettor and fuel tank are missing. There are also nowadays a number of performance kits for LD’s which include new carburettors and it could be possible that this example is a good candidate for customisation. She could also be displayed as a static ‘objet d’art’. She is offered with 'no reserve'.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Diamond
info@vintagescooters.co.uk
07768 313001