Sold for £9,775
(including buyers premium)
Registration No: 334 XWB
Frame No: 175TVS 3676
Engine No: 175TV 3785
CC: 175
MOT: Exempt
The Lambretta TV175 Series 1 was launched in September 1957 and was a very different kind of scooter than all that had gone before it. It was the first scooter of the Li range and appeared some 7 months before the Li. The new 4-speed TV machine was able to reach an unprecedented 103kmh (64mph) which was a significant improvement on the 3-speed LD models which it replaced. However, the new engine was not without its problems and various changes to the design were made during its short production run to improve things. It had a large carburettor with a diaphragm and a complicated kick start arrangement. Early examples had cable adjusters on the handlebar levers. The rear suspension had a combined spring and hydraulic shock which allowed the engine to swivel silent mounts. The wheel rims had chrome edging. The rear light had a triple bulb arrangement with an orange lens either side of a red centre. The new enclosed chain driven engine had an increased capacity and the crankshaft, barrel, piston and gearbox ratio were changed. The front forks were fitted with external shock absorbers. The rear plate and fork links were redesigned to cope with the extra power. The TV175 models were fitted with a Veglia 120 km/h speedometer face and a dual seat. The ‘Lambretta’ and ‘TV175’ side panel badges were attached to the panels with small nuts as opposed to the riveted badges on the Series 1 Li panels. Often referred to as the ‘tourer’ it had a superb performance when running correctly coupled with beautiful styling and has been hugely sought after for many years by collectors.
This early version example with cable lever adjusters was imported recently into the UK and is registered to enjoy immediately. She was reportedly in use on the road in Sweden up until the present and our vendor did join a local rally on it at the time of purchase riding some 50km without issue. The scooter certainly appears to be mechanically well maintained but with striking patina. The rear shock has been replaced with a correct type and the floor mats are new but we could find little else that was not original to the scooter. Used floor mats are sometimes available and would complete the entire original look. The seat is the original Aquila Continentale with a cover replaced long ago. Please see below video
Of note the original correct speedometer with chrome bezel is showing 11,694km. The scooter being largely untouched and unmodified is showing superb originality all over the machine including: Sound deadening rough in all the correct paces, lights front and rear, carburettor and fuel tap, ignition, engine and the electrics are still on 6v points. A TV series 1 in this unmodified condition, fully running with full keys and V5C is a rare and desirable machine.
For more information, please contact:
Paul Diamond
info@vintagescooters.co.uk
07768 313001
Auction: National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands, 27th Mar, 2024
An auction of classic motorcycles & vintage scooters taking place at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, West Midlands. Venue Details
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