c.1960 Lambretta Li125(225) Karslake Special

Registration No: 597 XUV
Frame No: Li125285286
Engine No: SX200 586347
CC: 225
MOT: Exempt

• British registered from new
• Karslake family owned from new (3 generations)
• Wildcat 225 and substantial upgrades
• V5C for use on UK roads

The Lambretta Li150 series 2 was launched in October 1959. Based on the successful series 1 with the obvious difference was the position of the headlight on the handlebars for better lighting when cornering. It had an engine based on the Li150 series 1 but with an increased stroke and several other small modifications all over the scooter that made it the best selling Lambretta of all time.

This historical family provenance of this vehicle needs no introduction for most people involved in the British scooter scene. Lambretta Concessionaires was the British importer of Lambretta and other Innocenti products and was run by the late Peter Agg. The late Mike Karslake was an enthusiastic supporter of the business and personal friends with Peter Agg when they both lived in Surrey in the 1950’s. Mike Karslake was a founder member of BLOA the British Lambretta owners Association and designed the BLOA logo and badges used by the club. In the 1980’s Mike Karlsake relocated to Devon with his wife and family and started the worlds first Lambretta Museum. However shortly after setting up the museum Mike sadly passed away and his entire collection was sold at auction except for a few items including this scooter. We understand that this scooter was purchased new by Mike ‘Mr Lambretta’ Karslake and has remained in the family ever since. The V5s that accompany the scooter show 3 generations of Karslakes only as the owners from new starting with Mike, then Paul and finally Edward.

Restored by Mike's son Paul many years ago in the same style and colours as Mike often used on his famous touring scooters. These included engine upgrades to 200cc and the use of a front disc brake. The same upgrades can be found on other Karslake scooters from the era including his famous Li150 touring sidecar combination. As a tribute scooter the colours and 150 badging were added to this scooter to emulate the side car tourer. Numerous other badges including BLOA Competition rider were also added. We understand that the Spanish SX200 engine that was used has been upgraded as a Wildcat 225 with 30mm Dellorto carburettor on a genuine Spanish SX200 engine. With Snetterton seat, Ancillotti exhaust and a 12v electric conversion the scooter was seen to start easily and perform well at the time of consignment.

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