Additional information
by Vittorio Tessera (Author)
In the early Sixties, Innocenti took a technological leap in the engineering of the Lambretta, introducing for the first time a monocoque frame clearly inspired by the scooters direct rival, Piaggios Vespa. This led to the Junior series, models destined for a younger clientele and with a retail price that was more affordable compared to the traditional LI and TV models. The Junior series was produced with various displacements, from the smallest 50 cc, aimed at the 14-year-olds, to the higher performance 100 and 125, designed for young people looking for a practical and economic means of transport that could be used for out-of-town weekend trips. Initially, in the early months of 1964, only the 100 cc displacement was available, destined for the export markets; late in 1964, the range was expanded with the 50 cc and 125 cc models. 1966 saw the introduction of the new 125 four-speed, which was much punchier and faster, while in 1968, the 4 Dl boasted redesigned side panels and 10 wheels. The final version produced was the 50 Special with a number of styling modifications and new colours. This last model remained in production through to the closure of the factory in May 1971. A total of 167,784 examples were produced in the three displacements. The series was without doubt a commercial success and still has a place in the hearts of Lambrettisti the world over.This new book devotes specific chapters to questions of production, technology, advertising, and many other areas of interest regarding this series of models that once again enjoyed notable success with the public.
Author Biography
Born in 1960, Vittorio Tessera qualified as a mechanic in 1979 and opened Italy's first workshop for the restoration of classic scooters. In 1988 he founded the Italian Lambretta Club, which boasts today over 2,000 members. In 2001 he founded the Scooter & Lambretta Museum, the most important such institution in Europe. Today he actively contributes to the most important Italian motorcycle magazines. He is the author of Innocenti Lambretta: The definitive history (2012), Lambretta: Restoration Guide (2012), Lambretta: Illustrated guide to identification (2013), Lambretta LUI. History, models and documentation (2017), Lambretta TV/LI Series 1: History, models and documentation (2018), Lambretta TV/LI Scooterlinea Terza Series 3: History, models and documentation (2019), Lambretta D/LD 125/150: 1951-1958: History, models and documents (2021), Lambretta DL/GP 1651-158: History, models and documents (2022), Lambretta Junior, 50, 125, 150: History, models and documents (2023), and Lambretta 125 A-B (2024)
