1965 Lambretta Li150 Slimstyle

Key facts

Year

1965
Country

Italy
Capacity

148cc
Cylinders

1 cylinder
Output

6.6bhp at 5,600rpm
Maximum speed

50mph
Price new

£159
Owner

National Motor Museum Trust
Manufacturer

Innocenti, Milan

Motor scooters were popular as economic personal transport from the late 1940s onwards. Italian scooters were among the most successful. Piaggio launched the Vespa in 1945 followed closely by Innocenti with the Lambretta in 1947. The LI range was launched in 1958, with both 125cc and 150cc versions. The Series III models, of which this is an example, featured new ‘Slimstyle’ bodywork and were produced from 1962 to 1967.

Scooters became iconic symbols of 1960s youth culture and were the preferred means of transport for Mods. Known for their music and fashion, Mods customised their scooters with the addition of chromed accessories such as additional mirrors and lamps, as seen on this LI 150.