The Lambretta Model A- D

The Lambretta Model A- D

    The Lambretta A first went on sale in Italy on December 23rd 1947 but Innocenti, one of Italy's leading engineering companies, had been playing around with the idea of producing a two wheeled vehicle for some years before the end of the year, with a known prototype existing since at least 1944. As a cheap form of post war transport, the 'A' Model had a lot to offer the ordinary person. It was economical (160-180mpg at a time when petrol was severely rationed), with moderate speed of 45mph. The engine is a 123cc direct air cooled unit (52*58 bore/stroke), shaft driven, which has three gears that are foot operated via a rod mechanisms (the only model to have this). There is very little in the way of suspension, with only two rubber bushes in the front forks and a solid rear end. The brakes are quite unusual in that the actual brake shoes are made of cast iron, and the brake drum is lined with the friction material. During the year that the 'A' was in production it was available in five different colours: green, red, beige, blue and grey and approximately 9,000 were sold. The 'A' Model, Innocenti soon realized that the market would demand a more sophisticated machine. 

The Lambretta 

    The 'B' was born. The 'A' was a good base to start with economy - simplicity - reliability - but the concept just needed refining. Introduced in 1948, on face value the 'B' Model appeared to be no more than a cosmetic face lift of the 'A'. It was much more than this though, with larger 3.50*8 wheels instead of the 'A's 3.00*7, speedo, front & rear suspension, handlebar gear change, and many more subtle changes. The 'B' was also available in metallic colours and a huge range of other choices. Innovation came thick and fast in the early stages in the development of the Lambretta because Innocenti were not afraid of change. Many of the principles that they developed some fifty years ago, are now being used by the Japanese to dominate the two wheeled market today.

The Lambretta 

    The Model C first started production in 1950 and ran until 1952. During this period of time, some 150,00 Model C's were produced and sold mainly in Italy - a staggering increase in production from the 'A' & 'B' Models. The most notable improvement over the two previous models, was the frame. The engine is similar in design to the earlier versions, being 123cc direct air cooled, producing 5bhp , with an MA16 Dell'orto carburettor and 3 speed gearbox. Top speed was around 50mph, fuel consumption being between 120-140mpg. Wheels were 4.00*8 and the brakes were now as we know them today with the friction material on the actual shoe instead of the drum. Four colours were available, green, brown, sky blue and red. Again many accessories were available for your 'C' including speedo, horn cover, spare wheel, floor mats, and added weather protection in the form of extra bolt on leg shields, plus many other things to personalize your Lambretta.

The Lambretta 

The Model 'D' started life in December of 1951, when a 125cc version was introduced. The 'D' was basically an update of the earlier 'C' with many improvements being made. A rear suspension damper was now fitted, a battery to take care of the horn and parking lights, along with improvements to the engine were all new. Engine output was now up to 6bhp, with a claimed 52mph top speed. Fuel consumption was in the region of 140mpg, which along with the cheap prices (£108 in 1956 undercutting Vespa's) and servicing costs, helped make the 'D' and its sister the plusher LD very popular. Later models gained twin gear change cables instead of the earlier single teleflex examples which again helped with the ease of operation for its owner. A few improvements were made over its production run, and then in October 1954 a 150cc 'D' was made available. Over 150,000 models were made by the Italians, with many many more being made outside of Italy as Innocenti started selling the rights to build Lambrettas in many different countries including France and Argentina to name a but few. Colours available for the D were green, grey or beige.

As well as the obvious Italy, Lambretta's have been made around the world, in the next series of pages we cover the history of all the models produced. Starting with the Italian ones, but also including all the other models made in other countries such as Spain, India, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and more.