Brazilian Series 2 Restoration

Nice little video of a restoration of a Brazilian 1966 Series 2 Lambretta. She looked pretty good in it’s original black livery, but two years of hard work and “stress, irritation and headache” (we’ve all been there!) transformed her into a thing of beauty. It’s and interesting game to spot the differences between the Brazilian S2’s and the Italian ones we are more used to seeing… the first, and most obvious one is the date of manufacture… 1966… five years after production finished on Innocenti machines. Other easy to spot ones are the carb/air filter set up, the exhaust (I quite like the look of that short silencer box!) and the three speed gear change… Cosmetically, the badges are very different, including an attractive rear frame embellisher/ badge. So far, so obvious… how many more differences can you spot?

A neat touch in adding rear indicators to the resto is integrating them with the spare wheel carrier, a nice solution.

Update: I have received an email from Jean, the restorer of this fine Series 2, clearing up a few things. Firstly, was the matter of colour… I stated that the original paint was black, and that was just a case of me being sloppy with my english. What I should have written, of course, is existing paint. Brazilian S2’s were only made in an “off white” shade – I’m guessing this would be something similar to the original Italian Ivory (Avoria) colour, but it may be different). The scooter has got four gears, it’s just the numeral 4 has worn off on the handlebar. The exhaust system is off of a later Lambretta, (one native to Brasil that deserves a post all of it’s own – The Cynthia), and has the fish tail on the silencer is a one off, custom item hand made by an iron worker.

Jealous much?

NYC Series 2Love this shot… nicely accessorised S2 getting a jealous look from a modern auto rider.

As an aside, apologies for A) the lack of updates last week… I was away for a bit… and B) the multiple IOW Lambretta days post…
Stay tuned for more updates next week.

Mix of music and scooters – Isle of Wight County Press

RAC TV’s

RAC Lambretta TV CombosI think they’re TV’s anyway. Unusual sidecars too! I expect they are a bit of a mobile toolbox! I’d love to see a colour pic of this… I’m guessing the scoots and sidecars were finished in RAC colours… a dark, navy blue! I bet the AA were jealous!

Lambrettista – Read in over 40 countries on 6 continents!

Lambrettista-CoverageMapWow. Since moving my blog over from Posterous to WordPress I’ve been able to see a lot more data about who’s visiting, and where from. And it just goes to show that interest in Lambrettas is truly global. I kind of expected some readers from the UK and Italy, as well as Spain and the US… but it would be easier to say where the blog isn’t read! (Come on Africa, China and the Middle East – you’re letting the side down!) I got my first reader in Egypt yesterday, so I’ve got a little bit of a nibble into Africa…

So a big thank you to all my vistors. It makes this little personal project well worth while.

If you check out my links page you’ll see there are Lambretta Clubs in over 30 countries. If I’ve missed where you live, apologies, let me know and I’ll post a link.

EDIT: We’re past 50 Countries now… and going strong! FURTHER EDIT: Make that 60 Countries. From the Aland Islands to Uruguay!

She usually starts first kick…

Dean Martin Lambretta KickstartWe’ve all been there. Your Lammie always starts first or second kick. Unless there is somebody nearby that you want to impress, or you’re selling it, and somebody has come for a test drive. Temperamental beasts, Lambrettas… they don’t like being taken for granted. Not even by Dino!

Siambretta Model D Twin. That’s right. Twin cylinders!

Saimbrettas, as you probably know, are the Lambretta variants build under licence from Innocenti by SIAM Lambretta, in Argentina.

SIAM’s relationship with Innocenti dates back to 1954, and the Model C… affectionately known as the Pochoneta in Argentina. Apparently, even General Peron was a fan. A Model D equivalent soon followed, known as the “Siambretta 125 Standard” which was the equivalent of the Lambretta Model D… (with the 125 Deluxe being the equivalent of the LD). If you’re Argentinian, or a Siambretta aficionado, and I’ve got any of these facts wrong, please put me right in the comments.

So, history lesson over. What I never expected to see was a Model D Twin… I’m assuming, as my Argentinean Spanish is rather rusty, that it’s two 125cc cylinders, giving a total of 250c. In a D frame. That must go like a rocket! This is the maddest thing I’ve seen for ages.

I’d love to know more, and I’m trying to dig out more details, so hopefully this post will be updated as I find out more. But what a scooter!

Found via the Lambretta Club USA’s Facebook Page.

For a more modern take on Lambretta twins, see my previous post on the 344cc Twin from PM Tuning here.

Old School Cool

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Old School Cool

A couple of dudes on LC’s

Fantastic Lambretta Video

Nothing in the way of a commentary  just some marvellous vintage footage, (some of it I’ve never seen before) of the world’s finest motor scooter. It looks like it has been nicked from the History channel. The music’s pretty good too…so  just sit back and enjoy. Ends with the text “Lambretta …the other side of the Italian miracle”

Suedehead SX

the scooterist (104)
Love this image, snagged off The Scooterist blog of a custom SX. I’d peg it as a guy in a transitional “hard mod/suedehead” phase, the scooter, though full bodied is starting to bear the hallmarks of the later “Skinhead Skellie” style, with the high rise, basketweave seat and headrest, the scarf tied on, and the megaphone exhaust. A good look Brian!