Sold for £3,220
(including buyers premium)
Registration No: Unregistered
Frame No: 43V 942533
Engine No: 42/2 292282
CC: 200
MOT: Exempt
During World War II Ferdinando Innocenti ran a steel tubing factory in the Lambrate district of Milan in northern Italy, producing components for the Italian Air Force and construction. After the war, Innocenti needed to find a new product in order for his business to survive. Inspired by the Cushman scooters that the US army imported into Italy, Innocenti realised he could apply many of the parts that the factory was already producing to motor scooter production. Innocenti started production of Lambretta scooters in 1947, the year after Piaggio started production of its Vespa models.
The first commercial Lambrettas appeared in 1949 with the FB with its front box and later variations. The first 3 wheeler named Lambro was the FD in a typical tricycle layout with 2 wheels at the back and open with no cab at the front. In 1957 the closed cab version of the FDC appeared and countless variations of economical commercial vehicle were derived from this, including fire engines, council vehicles, food dispensers and much more. The Lambro went through a large number of upgrades as the years went on. In 1968 with the 550 the engine was moved out of the cab and the whole payload and carrying platform increased in size and it could now carry a huge 550kg payload. In January 1970 the 600V was introduced with a car-style steering wheel slightly offset to make room for a passenger in the cab and could now take a payload of 600kg with its heavy-duty suspension and dampers. The height of luxury with its quarter light windows, there was even an adjustable heater and interior light. These were sadly the last Lambros to roll off the production, before Innocenti closed.
This lovely example of a tipper was purchased from the vendor’s Italian friend living in England. It was being used in the vineyards in Treviso near Venice. It has been subject to a professional bodywork restoration here in the UK, in its original Apple Green colour (Mela Verde) which has been done to a high standard. We are told the engine is in working order but are unable to confirm this. On inspection it looks to be in very good condition and needs very minor finishing. When the vendor returned to the paint shop, he had previously used, the owner had closed the business and the windscreen, rear window and tipper sides were no longer there. These seem to be the only parts missing except one side light/indicator. The Lambro has her keys and the door cards and windscreen wiper were present. The engine and running gear, tyres and overall mechanicals look to be in excellent condition. It will still need to be registered for the UK but as she was already in the country a Nova should be obtainable.
This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a really nice and quirky ‘square cab’ commercial vintage vehicle in a sought-after colour. She would be an ideal vehicle for conversion to a number of commercial uses or mobile catering outlets, or with its large platform, to simply transport your Mela Verde Lambretta SX scooter or other motorcycle to your local show.
For more information, please contact:
Paul Diamond
info@vintagescooters.co.uk
07768 313001
Auction: National Motorcycle Museum, 7th Dec, 2022
An auction of classic motorcycles & vintage scooters
VIEWING TIMES
Wednesday 7th December 2022, from 9am
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