Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tuesday 25th March from 1pm
Auction: Wednesday 26th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1958 Lambretta TV175 series 1
Extremely original
Estimate
£8, 000 - £10, 000
Registration No: 334 XWB
Frame No: 175TVS 3676
MOT: Exempt
Fully running ATC and appears well maintained
Remarkable original condition
Correct numbers (Engine No. 175TV 3785)
Ignition, steering lock and toolbox keys present
Original ignition and carburettor
V5C for use on UK roads
The Lambretta TV175 series 1 was launched in September 1957 and was a very different kind of scooter than all that had gone before it. It was the first scooter of the Li range and appeared some 7 months before the Li. The new 4 speed TV machine was able to reach an unprecedented 103 km/ h (64 MPH) which was a significant improvement on the 3 speed LD models which it replaced. However the new engine was not without its problems and various changes to the design were made during its short production run to improve things. It had a large carburettor with a diaphragm and a complicated kick start arrangement. Early examples had cable adjusters on the handlebar levers. The rear suspension had a combined spring and hydraulic shock which allowed the engine to swivel silent mounts. The wheel rims had chrome edging. The rear light had a triple bulb arrangement with an orange lens either side of a red centre. The new enclosed chain driven engine had an increased capacity and the crankshaft, barrel, piston and gearbox ratio were changed. The front forks were fitted with external shock absorbers. The Rear plate and fork links were redesigned to cope with the extra power. The TV175 models were fitted with a Veglia 120 km/ h speedometer face and a dual seat. The ‘Lambretta’ and ‘TV175’ side panel badges were attached to the panels with small nuts as opposed to the riveted badges on the series 2 Li panels. Often referred to as the ‘tourer’ it had a superb performance coupled with beautiful styling and has been hugely sought after for many years by collectors.
This early version example with cable lever adjusters was imported recently into the UK and is registered to enjoy immediately. She was reportedly in use on the road in Sweden up until the present and our vendor did join a local rally on it at the time of purchase riding some 50 km without issue. The scooter certainly appears to be mechanically well maintained but with striking patina. The rear shock has been replaced with a correct type and the floor mats are new but we could find little else that was not original to the scooter. Used floor mats are sometimes available and would complete the entire original look.
Of note the original correct speedometer with chrome bezel is showing 11694 km. The scooter being largely untouched and unmodified is showing superb originality all over the machine including: lights front and rear, carburettor and fuel tap, ignition, engine and the electrics are still on 6v points. A TV series 1 in this unmodified condition, fully running with full keys and V5C is a rare and desirable machine.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
