[karlosdeville]

The Lambretta Series 2 Li150 is probably the shape one thinks of immediately as the most recognisable Lambretta, though within the model run I believe many small changes were regularly introduced. I'm not expert on these, and I hope through this thread we can document with some backup what these changes were, and when they were introduced.

Here are factory photos, probably shot outside the API factory in Bhandup?


Assembly line


On display


Surprisingly these models were rarely advertised in print - the older D and LD models and successor SIL models were advertised much more.


Naturally being targeted at lady riders, the owners manuals and other publications featured modern women astride the scooter.


The scooter was no stranger to Bollywood too - an early model featured here in the film Parivar.



I assume that the model was launched around 1960, after the preceding Series 1 with fixed headlight. Do we have any known dates / data about the introduction of these models?

One point that seperated these bikes from their Vespa competition was the adoption of two tone colours - usually cream with red, blue, grey panels etc. The earliest bikes I've noticed had the nose cone and handle bar top in the same body colour (usually light grey / ivory), with just the side panels in contrasting paint. Later on this would spread to the nose cone, and finally the handle bar tops. The earlier bikes (perhaps between 1960 and 1962/63?) also sported side panel badges with a stylised Lambretta script carried over from the Series 1. At some point these were dropped, I assume in 1961/62. Later models also featured a pear shaped horn cast on the nose, replaceing the earlier rounded one. Speedometers would be Italian Innocenti units with a cream face, to be later replaced by localised ones by Yenkay with API branding, with greyish, or silver faces. I'm sure there were many variations. Later on came the Lamby 150 with flashes on the side panels and concelead panel handles, though that can be discussed another time.


There also seems to have been a healthy club movement in period, I have with me a very cool brass badge of the PLC or Poona Lambretta Club.


I also have this booklet and form from Madras and Trichy clubs.

[karlosdeville]

The purpose of this particular thread aims to highlight the various rare original features of this scooter for reference. There are near to none surviving in this state of preservation. A barnfind or a preservation class vehicle is a term quite abused these days, but I'd like to think this one does qualify, even if a humble little scooter - an all original Lambretta Series 2 from the 60s in the same ownership for over 50 years.



Registered in July 1964, this scooter was originally owned by 'The General Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist', registered in Byculla. I assume it moved soon to the Poona campus in Salisbury Park. 8 years later in 1972 it was purchased from this Poona campus by a family friend who has owned it ever since - that's an impressive 52 years! The gent maintained it himself with much love and care, and left India for Australia as early as 1983. He returned for a short while in 1986 when he used it again, and at the time he fondly recalls taking me for a ride on it when I was all of 18 months old! After that the bike was placed in careful storage indoors for decades. Only within the last few years was it relocated and parked in an open compound, though carefully tied up with multiple covers for protection. However that's where most of the weathering and paint damage would have taken place, how I wish it hadn't gone through that.

The scooter presents many unique features - the primary being the single colour throughout. In some old movies and photos I have noticed these single colour scooters, but never actually seen one in original paint. Its a light grey / cream shade, that has suffered from plenty of wear over the years. While it has cracked and flaked in many places, major rust has still not set in surprisingly.

We rolled the bike out of the compound for the first time in years, surprisingly the wheels were totally free and wheeling the bike out was effortless. The tyres were full, but of water! The scoot was parked in a charming old neighbourhood of Poona camp, the scooter blended right in. Note the heavy duty rexine bag 'glovebox' strapped on. A lovely period accessory that was once so common, now not to be seen.


The original Italian headlight and ring is intact, with INNOCENTI lettering.


The original Lambretta shield badge and script too are intact, and rarely seen these days in original form - Delhi made replicas are of course dime a dozen, and available in various qualities. Don't miss the light grey leg shield and nose rubber beadings - unbelievable that the originals are still on the bike, I have never seen originals before. Great reference, though some of the pieces are brittle beyond use.


An original Innocenti branded speedometer - this one is a real rarity since most bikes today have a Delhi made replica with a face in MPH and Veglia branding (the original is in kms and some other branding which I cannot read).


The original kill switch is intact, as is the ignition switch with hinged cover. The original keys still operate perfectly.


The handle bar mounted switchgear looks to be of poor local quality given the peeling chrome - perhaps this item was changed? Or already localised by 63 - any thoughts from the experts? The grips too seem to have been changed, I feel the originals were ivory plastic ribbed items, over to the experts to confirm.


The original lock on the tool box, and again functioning with the original key.


A cool period accessory is this frame breather grille/vent, though dummy as there is no provision for ventilation. Were this ever factory fitted dummies or always an accessory?


Original taillight housing too is body coloured. Note the absolutely gorgeous period accessory number plate with vinyl highlights - silly items like this excite me the most


Accessory theft lock on the spare wheel - again working with key. Because of this the disc that fits over the spare is removed, and luckily was safely preserved.


On lifting the rubber matting, the original flooring was found to be surprisingly intact and rust free, and with the original ivory floor beadings. In good shape too!


Petrol flap is lockable (which I'm not sure, but may be an extra option). The tank was absolutely perfect and rust free on inspection.


The set of 4 keys, well worn but working perfectly in each of the 4 locks. Indeed a treasure!


The spare wheel disc was carefully preserved along with some spares and the original tool roll and jack. The owner really took care of this bike over so many decades.


The original documents too are in perfect condition, including the plastic folder dated 1972, the year he bought the bike! A testimony to the stereotypical Parsee owned bike.

[karlosdeville]

Since the owner was visiting Pune, we got the opportunity to take the bike out and get her roadworthy after 40 years. He had thoughtfully filled everything with extra oil to prevent it locking up.

A quick wash and most of the grime dissapeared, leaving behind a clean rust free foundation.





By the same evening after some basic attention, the bike was close to firing, but still wanting because of a weak spark. We will get back to attending to it in the near future. The plan for now is just to clean her up and get her roadworthy in as-is condition. The future might warrant a grounds up restoration, even if sensitively. Lets cross that bridge when we get there!

[karlosdeville]

After a bit of a gap, work resumed on the bike. On dismantling everything inside too turned out to be bone stock, we really got lucky with this one.


Original Ducati markings intact



Even the headlight reflector was untouched with original markings.


The clutch was overhauled, using NOS API parts.


A new set of tyres were necessary, the rims remained rust free thankfully.


The bike was soon back on road, running very silent and smooth.

[karlosdeville]

I'm happy to report the bike has been running well, and very smoothly. A huge thank you to Russell Works in Pune for the sensitive job done, preserving history.

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[Uthappa]

Absolutely gorgeous, what an example; and looks stunning with the natural patina. Kudos for bringing this piece of nostalgia back to life!

[LJP]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

The purpose of this particular thread aims to highlight the various rare original features of this scooter for reference. There are near to none surviving in this state of preservation. A barnfind or a preservation class vehicle is a term quite abused these days, but I'd like to think this one does qualify, even if a humble little scooter - an all original Lambretta Series 2 from the 60s in the same ownership for over 50 years.

First of all, congratulations on finding such a beautiful Lambretta, and that too as a single-owner example ,that’s truly special! I also had the good fortune of buying my Lambretta from a doctor who had lovingly maintained it for 48 years. It came with all the original parts, service books, keys, the whole package. It’s a great feeling when you come across a scooter that has been so well cared for.

Your scooter looks fantastic, and it's impressive how rust-free it is. Judging by the appearance, it seems like it's still in original paint and that natural patina only adds to its charm. If you can get the paperwork sorted, I’d highly recommend keeping it in its original, unrestored state. Just get the mechanicals in perfect working order and enjoy it as it is. Since most of us won’t be using these as daily riders, preserving them in their authentic form feels like the right way to honour their history.
You can also use protection products like Owatrol to help preserve the finish while keeping that beautiful vintage character intact.

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

The scooter presents many unique features - the primary being the single colour throughout. In some old movies and photos I have noticed these single colour scooters, but never actually seen one in original paint. Its a light grey / cream shade, that has suffered from plenty of wear over the years. While it has cracked and flaked in many places, major rust has still not set in surprisingly.

Also, I think your scooter might not be a single tone paint job. It looks like it originally had grey side panels with the rest in cream. Over time, due to weathering, the grey seems to have faded and lightened, making it look more uniform, almost like a single color. That kind of aging adds so much character, and it's a testament to the life the scooter has lived.

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

The original Lambretta shield badge and script too are intact, and rarely seen these days in original form - Delhi made replicas are of course dime a dozen, and available in various qualities.

Also worth mentioning it's quite common to still find original Lambretta scripts surviving on many scooters, and mine thankfully has all the original emblems intact too. But the Innocenti badge is a rare find these days. It’s a real treat if yours still has it ,those small details really complete the scooter's vintage charm.

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

The handle bar mounted switchgear looks to be of poor local quality given the peeling chrome - perhaps this item was changed? Or already localised by 63 - any thoughts from the experts? The grips too seem to have been changed, I feel the originals were ivory plastic ribbed items, over to the experts to confirm.

Another thing I noticed, most scooters today are missing the hinged toolbox cover, so you’re really lucky to have that intact along with the original keys. That’s such a rare combination to come by!
Also, the light switch tends to lose its chrome plating over time, and it’s quite uncommon to find them still working after all these years. The little ball inside that switches between high and low beam usually wears out and starts malfunctioning, which is why many owners end up replacing them. If yours is still functional and original, that’s a great piece of preservation.
As for the handle grips, they’re very likely original too. What we often see is a simple black cover that people used to add back in the day for better grip. If you carefully remove those covers without damaging the grip underneath, you might spot “Indola” stamped on them, those were the OEM grips that came with Lambrettas. One thing that might have gone missing from yoiur scooter over time is the silencer tail pipe. Originally, it should have had a finned tail pipe, the same type used on Series 1 Lambrettas. If I’m not mistaken, those finned tail pipes were available up until around 1968, after which they switched to the more common rectangular-end design we see today.

[Freespirit27]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

I'm happy to report the bike has been running well, and very smoothly. A huge thank you to Russell Works in Pune for the sensitive job done, preserving history.

That is so amazing. My father had a 1972 Lambretta in a sky blue and white dual tone. I can recognise almost all the parts you've shown, by virtue of having sat with him while cleaning and maintenance. Ours had Yenkay dials with front API badge. When we got older, we were allowed to start it for him, when he would ride out royally to office. It comfortably carried our family of four everywhere with ease. I used to get the front seat with Dad and it felt like I was driving the scooter. The centre engine unlike the Vespa and Priya made it wonderfully stable. Maybe that's why I still like two wheels better than four! I wish I had some photos to share. This brings back such treasured memories, thank you. We held on to ours till settling back in the hometown but getting the RC and papers sorted from Doon' (original purchase) became impossible, more so because the agent to whom we sent the papers became untraceable. It was finally sold as scrap.

Absolutely wonderful restoration there. Though I would say , go for it and give it a full paint and fender job and restore it to original glory. Happy riding and hope to see more updates.

[Utopian]

This brought back a sea of nostalgia to me. My dad bought a pre-owned Lambretta in the late 1990s (I do not remember the exact model) and painted it black. The space on offer was immense but the power was not. I could sense it struggling on ascending flyovers. Still remember the supple ride quality it offered.

Amazing work on the restoration. All it needs now is a good paint job.