Lot details
Registration No: MTB 5C
Frame No: 809201
Engine No: 808577
cc: 98
MOT Expiry Date: None

Unveiled in 1963 with production commencing during March 1964, the Cento was the first of what became known as the J range to be offered to the public by Lambretta. The new range of machines had been conceived as a response to the Vespino, recently introduced by Piaggio and was intended to appeal to younger riders. Unlike the larger machines in the range the Cento and its derivatives, which included the J50 and J125, dispensed with the separate tubular frame employed by the larger machines, adopting instead a pressed steel monocoque, similar in design to that employed by the Vespa, which was equipped with undamped trailing link front forks and a separate damper and spring at the rear. The 98cc two stroke single featured an upright cylinder which was fed by a Dell'Orto SHB 18/16 carburettor delivering 4.7bhp at 5300rpm, with drive being transmitted via a three speed gearbox. Drum brakes and 3.00 x 10 inch tyres were fitted. When "Scooter and Three Wheeler" tested an example of the new model in August 1964 they achieved a mean top speed of 46 mph and were impressed by the machines sprightly performance, attributable in part to its light weight.

The example offered has formed part of a private collection and features the separate saddles employed by the early production examples, later versions being fitted with a dualseat. It is rated as being in good mechanical and electrical condition by the vendor and has benefited from some minor cosmetic restoration to the ivory paintwork but is reportedly otherwise original, the whole being very nicely presented. Described as running beautifully it is offered with a Swansea V5C and would form an interesting addition to any scooter collection.