148cc Two-Stroke Single
Single Carburetor
6.5bhp at 5,300rpm
4-Speed Constant Mesh Gearbox
Trailing Link Front and Swing Arm Rear Suspension
2-Wheel Internal Expanding Drum Brakes

*Craftsman restored in Oregon by marque expert
*Highly desirable and original color combination
*Concours quality restoration with set-up miles only
*Operational and ready to use
*Italian design icon

THE SCOOTER OFFERED

In the immediate post WWII era with the lack of raw materials and austerity measures in place, Europe needed an inexpensive and economical form of transport to mobilize its citizens. Enter Piaggio and Innocenti who rose to the challenge with some quite brilliant two-wheel designs under the Vespa and Lambretta names.

The Vespa was a monocoque design with Lambretta choosing a more complicated - and expensive - tube-frame option. Each had a fanatical following, especially with the Brits, and competition events soon followed, not to mention heated discussions over the dinner table - with a bottle or two of Chianti - on their individual merits. In fact each was world class and each have stood the test of time, and their products can justly lay claim to the 'Classic' moniker...

Other European and U.S. companies entered the fray with some quite creditable offerings, although from a style perspective the Italians were winners by a country mile, and these other offerings never really gained traction. From a style standpoint the 1950s belonged to Italy, whether their Scooters, motorcars, sunglasses or clothing. The Lambretta Li family of Scooter designs was successful commercially and achieved cult status in the hands of style conscious British Mods in the early 1960s.

Today these highly charismatic and historically important vehicles are converted by collectors worldwide, they regularly appear in advertisements for perfume, clothing, holidays, makeup and so on, and you'll see them in store-front displays and in the movies - just as they were in period. They're aspirational and point to a youthful, fun and carefree lifestyle, and as a piece of twentieth century industrial design they sit alongside a Rolex sports watch, Leica cameras or a pair of horse-bit loathers. Simply put they have attained classic status.

The Scooter on offer today was exactingly restored to concours standards in the United States by marque experts P-Town Scooters of Portland Oregon - it's the classic and much converted Series 1 150cc Li variant, the first of the breed. It is finished in its original - and sought after - color scheme of Ruby Red and Dawn Gray. It is ready for the show circuit, store front, office foyer or a fun summer ride to your local barista!