Innocenti Lambretta: 70 years of history at Automotoretrò [PHOTO]

More than 20 special editions exhibited at the Turin exhibition

di Daniel Villa 6 February 2017

Innocent Lambrettas - The spectacular event dedicated to the vehicles that have marked the history of Italian and world motoring and motorcycling was staged for the 35th edition at the Lingotto Fiere in Turin. The historic Lambretta could not be missing, celebrating 70 years since the start of production in 1947.

Photo Lambretta 70 years - Automotoretrò 2017

Initially born in 1922 as steel tubular factory, the company of Ferdinand Innocenti he converted in 1947 after being bombed several times during the Second World War. While waiting for the reconstruction of the factories, the Lambrate company understood that a conversion was necessary to be able to keep production levels high, now that the war was over and such a large quantity of steel would no longer be necessary.

By satisfying the needs of the population and reusing the know-how of the factory, it was decided to start the production of revolutionary scooters to be able to transport Italians easily and economically. The design and mechanics were entrusted to two milestones such as Pier Luigi Torre e Cesare Pallavicino, realizing in 1947 the first model of the famous 2-wheeler, the Lambretta M (A) 125.

It was the beginning of a surprising story of successes that lasted for about 25 years, until changing market conditions and the advent of the automobile forced the Milanese factory first to sign financial agreements with the British Motor Corporation (BMC). and subsequently to close the factories in 1971.

To date, there remain some collector's items and special editions created by many enthusiasts around the world. Automotoretrò decided to pay homage to the Lambretta by organizing an important stand for the occasion in which it was possible to admire approximately 20 different models from the famous Milanese manufacturer, some original, others restored to perfection.

We can therefore find the first, the progenitor of the great Milanese masterpiece, none other than the Lambretta M (A) 125, equipped with a 2 cm² single-cylinder 123-stroke engine cooled by forced air. Obviously the frames of all Innocenti's creations were made on a tubular steel frame, a historic legacy of pre-war production.

Among the special editions, a very particular one stands out 150 LI second series equipped with the 148 cc engine, produced from '59 to '61 in 162 thousand units. This model features a singular lighting system at the front with 9 different reflectors, more for a scenic effect than for a matter of utility, but which overall represents a fantastic sense of creativity on the part of an enthusiast.