1949 Lambretta 125cc Tipo B

Post-war Italian manufacturers were scrambling to get the country moving again with cheap, effective transport. Scooters were prevalent from industrial giants Innocenti with the Lambretta and rival Piaggio’s Vespa. Introduced in 1947, the Lambretta was a less radical design than the Vespa, using a traditional tube frame rather than the Vespa’s pressed-steel monocoque chassis. The engine was exposed in the Lambretta and the leg shields were smaller than the Vespa’s, but its larger engine and pillion seat offered a more sociable experience. The 125cc engine produced 4.3bhp, which was good enough for a top speed of 40mph. The first Lambretta – the Tipo ‘A’ – was relatively crude but the ‘B’ model (1948-1950) boasted rear suspension, a twist-grip gear change, and larger 8″ wheels. By the end of 1950 Innocenti was producing up to 100 per day.

The scooter offered

This scooter is a second series Type 125B is a 3-owner machine with Factory Certificate of Origin and original 1949 Sales Invoice. A true survivor it is restored by a Lambretta specialist under the watchful eye of the second owner.

Perhaps one of the most original and correct Type 125B scooters remaining, it was restored to its original colors of light metallic green with brown seats. This is the first Lambretta with the much improved ‘B’ suspension, larger fuel tank, 8″ wheels (rather than earlier 7″) and handle bar shift.

Having been on static display in the MotoTalbott Museum, its third owner, in Carmel, California for some time, the bike has been re-commissioned to ready it for sale, but further fettling may be necessary before returning it to regular use.