1952 Lambretta LD 125

The Scottsdale Auction|25 January 2025, 11:30 MST|Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

1952 Lambretta LD 125
Frame no. 125LD12288
Engine no. 429850

123cc Two-Stroke Single-Cylinder Engine
Single Dell'Orto Carburetor
4.8bhp at 5,300rpm
4-Speed Constant Mesh Gearbox
Trailing Link Front and Swing Arm Rear Suspension
2-Wheel Internal Expanding Drum Brakes

*Fabulous Italian design
*Early model variant
*Accessories for extended use and touring
*Period paint customization
*Ready for tandem fun

THE SCOOTER OFFERED

In Post-War Europe, dependable, fuel efficient, and rugged forms of transport were in very high demand. Many manufacturers such as Innocenti, Moto Guzzi, and Piaggio were trying to put the whole of Italy on two wheels. The Lambretta, built by Innocenti, was one of the first step-through scooters, which allowed for graceful 'skirted' looks. The Lambretta differed from its Vespa counterpart in that the Lambretta, instead of unitized construction, used a tubular frame much like a larger motorcycle. This is surely a result of industrial giant Innocenti's roots making seamless tubing well before the war.

Launched in 1947, the Lambretta started as a 123cc, while from 1954, there was an enlarged 148cc version. After evolutionary steps, 1950 saw the first schism in models. Starting with the Model C, a 'Lusso' or LC version arrived with such niceties as leg shields, running boards and a shroud for the engine compartment. When the Model D arrived in 1951 it came with an enlarged fan on the flywheel to aid in cooling which made the scooter more reliable in heat, and a new Dell'Orto MA18 carburetor also was added. The Model D also got new exhaust silencer for quieter buzzing around piazzas. Power output was increased to a blistering 4.8hp. The LD was identical to the standard D save for also having the addition of 'Lusso' body work.

This 1952 Lambretta LD 125 is a lovely example of an early LD, distinguished by its side covers with chrome-ringed portholes, as well as the Lambretta script on the leg-shield and Innocenti badge just above the headlamp. Only the very earliest LD models features a second porthole on the engine covers near the torsion bar mount. This was intended to permit the fitting of a suspension damper that was never actually implemented. Finished in a striking Candy Apple paint color, with two passenger sprung seating and spare tire, this scooter is pure jewelry. Ideal for proper 'Dolce Vita' scootering with an attractive companion aboard, it would be a welcome addition for any enthusiast of scooters, collector cars, or appreciators of fine design.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
The final bid (hammer) price of each lot will be subject to a buyer's premium.
For MOTORCAR property the premium is 12% on the first $250,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $250,000.
For MOTORCYCLE property the premium is 15% on the first $100,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $100,000.
For AUTOMOBILIA or non motor vehicle property, the premium is 28% of the first $50,000 of the bid price, plus 27% of the amount of the bid price above $50,000 up to and including $1,000,000, plus 21% of the amount of the bid price above $1,000,000 up to and including $6,000,000, plus 14.5% of the amount of the bid price above $6,000,000.
A 3rd-party bidding platform fee equal to 4% of the Hammer Price shall be payable by buyers whose successful bid is submitted via 3rd-party bidding platforms, including Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Collection Notices
Lot Collection Deadline: 12pm MST on Monday, January 27, 2025
Motor Vehicles: Uncollected Motor Vehicle Lots following the Collection Deadline will be uplifted and stored by Passport Auto Transport. Uplift and storage shall be at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Motor vehicle removal and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the vehicle(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Passport in advance of purchase.
Automobilia: Oversized W Lots & Uncollected Lots following the Collection Deadline will be uplifted and stored at Las Vegas Crating, [email protected], +1 (702) 748 4973. Automobilia lots will be available for shipping and collection starting DATE. Removal and storage charges will be charged according to the company's standard rates and ultimate destination of the lot(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Las Vegas Crating.
Purchased lots become the buyer's risk once the hammer falls. Storage, collection, and uplift for paid and unpaid lot removal is at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Overseas buyers are strongly advised to make collection arrangements with Bonhams in advance of the auction.
Buyers may have an authorised agent collect their purchases according to the collection deadline. It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the auction venue details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s). Bonhams will release the lot only once all payment requirements have been met including payment of taxes and any applicable fees. Buyers and/or their agent are responsible for collecting all available parts, logbooks, title, keys and any other accompanying documents.
Domestic Motorcar Transport
Passport Auto Transport
Contact: Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or mobile +1 (314) 496 6228 [email protected]
International Motorcar and Motorcycle Transporters
Schumacher Cargo Logistics Schumacher Secure
Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117
[email protected]
International Motorcar Transport
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Alistair Forbes, +1 (310) 695 6403
[email protected]
Automobilia Shipping
Las Vegas Crating
4610 Polaris Ave Las Vegas, NV 89103
+1 (702) 748 4973
[email protected]
Pak Mail
4747 E. Elliot Rd., Suite 29
Phoenix, AZ 85044
+1 (480) 893-3278
[email protected]
Payment Notices
Lot Payment Deadline: 12pm MST on Monday, January 27, 2025
Cashiering Hours:
Saturday, January 25 10am to 6pm
Sunday, January 26 8:30am to 5:30pm
Monday, January 27, 8:30am to 12pm
Bonhams strongly recommends paying by wire transfer, certified check (bank draft), or submitting a Bank Letter of Guarantee. The Bank Letter of Guarantee must be addressed to Bonhams and be in the name of the registered bidder. Credit cards are not accepted for Motorcar lots. Cash payments have a limit of $5,000. We strongly encourage contactless payment of invoices prior to collection. Lots will not be released to buyers until full and final payment is received by Bonhams. Payment made by personal or business check may result in property not being released until purchase funds clear our bank. Bidders may also pre-arrange suitable check or credit approval with Client Services.
For payments made by bank transfer, please include your client identification number on the wire transfer instructions.
Shipping Notices
Lot Collection Deadline: 12pm MST on Monday, January 27, 2025
Domestic Motorcar Transport
Passport Auto Transport
Contact: Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or mobile +1 (314) 496 6228 [email protected]
International Motorcar and Motorcycle Transporters
Schumacher Cargo Logistics Schumacher Secure
Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117
[email protected]
International Motorcar Transport
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Alistair Forbes, +1 (310) 695 6403
[email protected]
Automobilia Shipping
Las Vegas Crating
4610 Polaris Ave Las Vegas, NV 89103
+1 (702) 748 4973
[email protected]
Pak Mail
4747 E. Elliot Rd., Suite 29
Phoenix, AZ 85044
+1 (480) 893-3278
[email protected]
Special Car Dealer Notices
For all registerable Vehicles, Bonhams is acting as an Arizona dealer, number L00012102