Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
30th Oct, 2024 11:00
1956 Lambretta Model D Mk3
Registration No: 812 XVF
Frame No: 28541 150D
MOT: Exempt
On the ASI historical register
Completed the London to Brighton ride 2022
V5 and ready to use on UK roads
The Lambretta Model D Mk1 was first introduced in 1951 as a successor to the Model C as a 125cc scooter. It had a tubular frame and because the engine did not now have to support the 2 halves as the C did, the engine could now move and had the addition of a torsion bar. This feature remained on all Lambrettas until 1958. The D also had springs enclosed in the front forks. The rear brake was rod-operated and the gears used a single teleflex cable. The whole ride experience was much improved and the D was subsequently a very popular model. By the time of the Mk3 the rear brake was cable-controlled, there was a fan on the flywheel forcing air onto the cylinder for improved engine cooling. The gear system now used 2 teleflex cables and there was a rear shock absorber on the rear end. With its larger 150cc engine, the Mk3 is sometimes referred to as the sports model and was often used for trials and other races.
This excellent example has been professionally restored to the extremely strict level of quality required by the ASI historical register in Italy. On close examination the paint is unblemished and all over the machine we can see that careful attention has been paid to all aspects of the scooter. Needless to say that any parts that may have been required in the restoration would usually have been high-quality Casa Lambretta parts and the scooter appears ‘as new’. Of note can see several attractive and useful accessories. Notably a very rare Elmer steering lock, Veglia MPH speedometer, Pittoti style passenger foot rests and helmet hook. The ‘butty box’ has its key. The tyres are the quality Continental whitewall version.
These later Mk3 D models are super little things to ride and surprisingly quick. The popularity of the open frame Lambrettas in Italy it is said was largely due to the feeling of freedom in the hot weather with the wind able to keep you cool. This scooter is as presentable of the most desirable version of a model D as one can get.
