Bit of a bitsa…

Posted on June 11, 2013 by crocodilejock

I found this for sale on Car & Classic, and this one had me scratching my head…

I thought it was a 50’s racer when I first saw it… but it didn’t look like any 50’s racer I’d ever seen before. And Model D based racers were either 125’s or 150’s surely… Closer inspection threw up more questions than answers…

The machine in described as a 50 DL… (I mistakenly thought the D bit of this referred to a model D) As you probably know, what was marketed in the UK as a GP was sold in Italy and other markets as a DL. So, at least part of it is from a GP as we know it. But DL/GP’s were 125/150/200cc… But, a Lui was 50cc… which brings me to the forks and wheels… which are distinctly Luna line.

So. It’s a bit of a mongrel, put together from different parts of different models. But it has been done rather nicely, and it looks pretty good, if a little underpowered at 50cc. Legal if you are 16 though… there’s a thought.

Personally, I’d lose the rack, it doesn’t work on a “racer” for me, but otherwise this is a good looking, fun scooter. Not for everyone of course. If you fancy a 50cc with a Innocenti heritage, and the ability to turn a few heads (and make a few people scratch theirs too), it’s for sale here.

The site that Car & Classic links to is Nerves Auto, an Italian site featuring some lovely sports and classic cars.

Lambretta collection for sale on eBay.

Posted on August 3, 2012 by crocodilejock

Ok, we’ve all been there. You’ve got a few spare qiuid jangling round your pocket and you fancy a Lambretta. But which model? Descisions, descions. Well, worry no more cash rich scooterist, there’s no need to make those hard descions. You can buy an entire Lambretta collection on eBay, here. Eight scooters, from a Model D 150 thru to a Lui 50… all restored six years ago and dry garaged since then. Most of them seem to have won awards at various European Lambretta events of the years, and each comes with a dossier documenting their restoration, and some original brochures and other collateral. Nice. Only wish my numbers had come up on the lottery the other night!

The models are:

• 1956 Model D 150

• 1956 LD 150

• 1961 Li 150 Series 2

• 1964 LI 125 Series 3

• 1967 J 125 (Starstream – or Stellina in Italian)

• 1967 Lui 50

• 1970 J50 Special

• 1971 Dl (GP) 200

They are for sale for €76,900.25 No, I don’t know why the 25 cents.

That’s about £56k in proper money. Which works out a shade under £7k each if you divide them equally. A tad pricey I would have thought, although some of the scoots have some nice original period accessories. If you are interesed in purchasing this collection, they’re on eBay, here.

Lambretta Helicak

Posted on July 20, 2011 by crocodilejock

An unusual Lambretta/Rickshaw type contraption from Indonesia, these Helicaks (because they look like a Helicopter, presumably) are one of the odder Lambretta conversions I’ve seen.

They were introduced in Jakarta in the early ’70s, but by the late ’80s were deemed unsafe, as in an impending accident, the drivers tended to abandon ship, leaving the passengers trapped in the fibreglass cab to take the brunt of the collision.

The story of the splat

Posted on June 6, 2011 by crocodilejock

There are many stories about the history of the Lambretta that have gained almost folklore status. One of my favourites is the story of the “splat”, or ink blot that appeared as a graphic on early GP’s.

You probably know it, but if you don’t, read on. And if you DO, read on anyway to make sure I’ve got it right. As the nineteen-sixties drew to a close Signor Innocenti commissioned the famous design house Bertone to remodel the Lambretta range. The result of this collaboration is still one of the most recognisable Lambretta scooters, the GP (known as the DL in most markets outside the UK). As well as s sleeker, slimmer, sportier body design, Bertone wanted a departure from the ‘old fashioned’ look of chrome plated badges and trim, presenting a more forwarding looking vision with a single colour of paint and matt black trim. This was a step too far for Innocenti, who insisted on some of his chrome back. In typical latin style a furious row erupted, which ended with Bertone throwing down his pen, leaving a splash of ink across his renderings. To commemorate the argument, Innocenti insisted that a legshield sticker was made in the shape of a stylised ink splat. On later models, and all UK imports, this was replaced with a sticker of a checkered flag. Well, that’s the version I heard, anyway!

Lambretta Collectables

Posted on April 8, 2011 by crocodilejock

Hmm, not sure about these… “inspired by the artistry of Peter Carl Fabergé, this treasure has been handcrafted from fine Heirloom Porcelain® and handpainted for intricate detail. Finished with silvery touches, this masterpiece is adorned with traditional Lambretta colours and logos”. Very nice… but why put it in an egg? Still, it seems they’ve got the detail right, and at £39.99 they’re not outrageously expensive. There’s two in the range at the moment… The SX with the union flag panels, and the iconic Rallymaster. Further issues to follow, including a 200 DL (or GP as we tend to know it in the UK). See for yourself on the Bradford Exchange website. Could be the perfect present for the Lambrettista in your life.

Lambretta’s – The best of the bay

Posted on March 23, 2011 by crocodilejock

A clutch of nice scoots on eBay…

A nice TV 175 in white, currently at £3,400

And another one in blue and white… currently at £3,700.

A nice Italian DL (GP) in turquoise… classified price £3,750

A bit more affordable… this nicely original Series II… ride away for £3,000

Going back in time slightly further, an electric start LD 150… starting at £1,800.

and right back… to almost the birth of the Lambretta, a Model D… these don’t come up too often… classified ad price £4,7500.

If you’re after something slightly different, how about this lovely skinhead style skelly… tons of original style accessories, and it’s got most the original panels and bodywork, if you want to turn it back to a full framed scoot. Buy it now for £2,300

A bit of a disclaimer… I don’t know any of these scooters – or sellers, I’m not making a penny from these, and I can’t vouch for the originality, legality, performance or anything else about these scoots. They just look good to me. I’m going to write a post on the best places to buy a scooter, other than eBay, so watch this space. And if you’re thinking of buying a Lambretta, it’s definitely worth checking out the buyers guide on the Lambretta Cub of Great Britain’s website.

lambrettista.net

A blog dedicated to the Lambretta, the world's finest motor scooter.

Tag Archives: DL

Bit of a bitsa…

Lambretta collection for sale on eBay.

Lambretta Helicak

The story of the splat

Lambretta Collectables

Lambretta’s – The best of the bay

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: