Following the monograph devoted to the Lui, this latest volume focuses
on another iconic Lambretta the TV-LI Series I. In the history of the
Lambretta, the TV and LI Series I laid the foundations of a new
engineering concept that revolutionised the traditional model with shaft
drive, sold from 1947 to 1958 in hundreds of thousands of examples.
There were numerous innovations characterising this new series of
models: the engine adopted a duplex chain transmission with a four-speed
gearbox and the cylinder was set horizontally, while in terms of the
chassis, the most significant novelties concerned the larger 10" wheels
and the dimensions of the bodywork. No less important were the
improvements to the rear suspension, which abandoned the famous torsion
bar for a more efficient motorcycle-style spring-damper unit. For the
first time a Lambretta reached a displacement of 170 cc and could offer
high performance with a maximum speed of over 100 kph. This model, which
went head-to-head with the Vespa 150 GS, is without doubt one of the
most sought-after by collectors today. Even the more tranquil LI 125 and
150 were extremely successful, with thousands of examples of this
exceptional Innocenti scooter still on the roads today, appreciated for
their incredible robustness and stability. Vittorio Tessera, "Mr
Lambretta", covers the entire technical, industrial and social history
of these models, while the books is illustrated with hundreds of
photographs.
