1959 Lambretta Li 150, Series I
Before restoration

"The first Li machines were the Li 125 and 150, Series I, and these were launched on the UK market in 1959. Their design differed in many ways from the earlier Ld models which they replaced. Wheel diameter was increased to 10ins. from 8ins., and this gave much better handling and stability, and in the engine-gear unit a duplex chain and straight cut gears replaced the shaft and bevel-drive of the earlier models.

These design changes proved to be very sound and the machines gave an excellent performance, so that they formed the basis, with suitable development, for all subsequent models. The 'family likeness' which resulted has conferred many benefits on owners and dealers alike, because service procedures follow a common pattern on different models.

Towards the end of 1959 the Li Series II models were introduced, the most noticeable difference being the mounting of the headlamp in the handlebar cover assembly. At the same time the range was increased by the TV 175 Series 2, with an engine layout similar to the 125 and 150 models, and this model could be recognised immediately by the shock absorbers fitted behind the fork legs. (It may be noted that the earlier TV 175 had a rather unusual engine layout and was not imported here in great numbers.)"

History blurb taken from "The Official Lambretta Home Workshop Manual" published by The Rafferty Newman Scooter Division

This 1959 Lambretta Li 150 has just begun its restoration journey. The first step was to find the missing pieces to complete the scooter mechanically. The breakthrough came when I received a phone call from Oklahoma. After a number of conversations and a letter with photographs, I purchased the parts scooter and had it shipped to Washington. Among other things, this scooter will provide; the upper handlebar housing that was missing, the clutch that was destroyed, and the rear hub that was cracked. I am still missing the speedometer. Please contact me, garage@piston.com, if you know of an available speedo for this 1959 Lambretta Li150, Series I.

1959 Lambretta Li 150, Series I
Parts Bike

After a bit of research and scraping of the red paint, I learned that the original paint scheme was blue/white. The parts that are blue are the side panels, handlebar and headlight castings. The rest of the bike is white. The bike will be painted back to these original soft colors.

The engine is nearly fully rebuilt at this point. All that remains is the purchase of a new piston and a cylinder rebore. The most difficult portion of the rebuild was getting the cases, flywheel, head and sheet metal clean. All of these parts were not only very greasy, but were painted red by an overly enthusiastic previous owner. The transmission had to be reshimmed during the rebuild, as the end-play was outside of tolerance. This isn't much of a problem, as the shims are readily available. No bearings were replaced, but all seals and gaskets were. The crank and rod were worn, but still within tolerance. Overall, the engine is now in very nice shape.