Lambretta LC; D & LD Models & Information

Model LC

The LC, which was introduced shortly after the C. This was the first Lambretta with full scale legshields and panels covering the engine. The engine of the LC was fan cooled and therefore fed enough air even at a standstill. The C stands for “Lusso” (=luxury). Also the covering of the dirty and noisy engine is seen as an additional luxury, while the pillion passenger gets rear floorboards to rest his feet. Through a little hatch in the right side panel, petrol tap and carburettor can be accessed without taking the panel off.

Model Capacity Production Quantity Prod. Code 1st frame no

1950: 400,001 – 416,813 (16,813 built)
1951: 416,814 – 442,501 (25,688 built)

125 C/LC (1st version) 1950: Teleflex gearchange mechanism in a rectangular
casting at the engine, brake and clutch levers of the same dimensions as on the model B (59 x 10 mm). Very early models have a simple clamp at the toolbox.

125 C/LC (2nd version) 1951: Teleflex gearchange mechanism in a shield-shaped casting at the engine, brake and clutch levers of smaller dimensions (44 x 10 mm), uprated rear spring.

Model D125 & LD125(until 1955)

In December 1951 Innocenti introduced the 125 Model D, which featured a newly designed frame and a greatly improved chassis. Tank, toolbox and saddle were continued without changes. Overall, the D was basically an improved model C, also the appearance was very close to that of its predecessor. The engine however was reworked and equipped with a new, larger Dell’Orto MA 18 carburettor. The three-speed gearbox is still hand-operated by Teleflex cable, but power output is improved to 5 hp and nearly 80kph top speed.

Brake performance is also improved by the introduction of cooling fins on the brake drums. The first D models still had the rear-brake operated by a rod-linkage like the Model C, while this was later superseded by a cable. The front suspension is now integrated into the forks, a system Innocenti used right up to the DL. At the rear, a torsion bar takes care of the suspension.

125 D & LD (1st version) 1951/52: Chromed handlebars with alloy end-caps, front brake as model C, rear brake rod-operated with small pedal (from mid-1952 larger pedal and cable-operated), black light-switch with two positions and chrome-cover, flower-shaped horn grille, flat fork cover (from mid-1952 with recesses for larger bushes), rigidly mounted engine (from mid-1952 with silent-blocks). LD only: Sidepanels with chromed, kidney-shaped vents, alloy Lambretta badge on legshields and Innocenti badge over the headlight.

125 D & LD (2nd version) 1953: Adjustable alloy handlebars, brake- and clutch lever made from plastic, front brake increased to 125mm, grab-handle for pillion, ivory coloured plastic light switch with two positions, normal horn grille (from February 1953). LD only: side-panels with plastic grille and plastic LD badge on legshields. (Early 53 models still had version 1 side-panels)

125 D & LD (3rd version) 1954: Brake- and clutch-levers with adjuster screws, dark green saddle-covers, white light switch with three positions and chrome cover (from mid-1954) LD only: larger saddles, closed at the front (from mid-1954) with dark-green covers. Rubber-covers for the cables at the handlebars from 1954.

Model D & LD150, LD125-150- 1957

In October 1954 the first Lambrettas with 150 cc capacity hit the market. The increased power output also brought an increase in top speed: Innocenti stated 88 kph as standard Vmax, while the consumption figures stayed the same as before.

The open-frame D 150 models received the fan-driven cooling system of the LD version. The Teleflex gearchange-cable is superseded by two standard cables, a system to be continued with all subsequent Lambretta models.

A damper is mounted at the rear along the torsion springing to improve the handling.

In January 1957 a reworked LD model appeared, both in 125cc and 150cc capacity. The engines were left unchanged apart from the kickstart mechanism, however the outer appearance was significantly modernised.

The horn had been moved to the headset, were a speedometer was held by a newly-designed headset cover, which also covered all cables now.

The rear of the scooter was redesigned and a cast rear light was bolted to the frame.

A toolbox was fitted behind the passenger seat and the air induction is via the rear of the frame, which improved the rev-range of the engine.

150 D & LD (1st version) 1954 mid-1955:

Alloy handlebars, electric system without battery and rectifier, 14mm gudgeon pin, round junction box beside the flywheel, exhaust with chromed silencer.

150 D & LD (2nd version) 1955 mid-1956:

Electric system with battery and rectifier, exhaust with chromed silencer, altered fitting for rear damper, LD only: sand-coloured plastic grilles in side-panels.

150 D & LD (3rd version) mid-1956 January 1957:

Exhaust without chromed silencer, but with two large inspection bolts, 16mm gudgeon pin, additional oil drilling at the main shaft, rectangular junction box beside the flywheel, cables with grease-nipples at the headset, additional screw at the rear-wheel nut (lefthandthread). LD only: rubber buffers for side-panels, larger handles at side-panels,chromed side-panel grilles.

Detailed Information 125LD

Lambretta 125 LD Models

Lambretta 125 LD First Version 1951 – 1952

Production December 1951 (MK I)
Frame departure number: 000001 – 000137 (137 built)

Production 1952 (MK I)
Frame departure number: 000138 – 029610 (29,473 built)

Identification details:

Handlebar in chrome-plated iron with aluminum caps at the ends, rear wand brake control (from the half of the ’52 modified to cable and increased rubber pad), cone-shaped tube holder under conical saddle with locking cap (from the middle of the 52 modified cylindrical shape with closing cap fixed by a clothespin), brown saddles. Side bonnets with two holes for venting.

Colour scheme:

All in the same Green or Suede or Beige colour except for saddle frames, wheel rims, hubs, torsion bar lever, Fiat 690 numbered aluminum plate holder and iron rods. From 1953 the LD is only available Beige Sabbia 8029. The tank and rear fender are gray anti-rust. The crankcase and the air filter are always painted in aluminum colour Fiat 690. The aluminum sheet casings that convey the cooling air are only clean (neither painted nor polished).

Maintenance data:

Mixture 5% spark plug short thread 225 scale Bosch Motor oil sae 15/50 400 gr. sae transmission oil 140 100 gr. Carburetor MA18B2 jet max 75 jet min. 40 valve 50 Carburetor MA18B3 jet max 70 jet min. 45 valve 75 Zenith carburettor 18 jet max 102 Marelli ignition advance 34-36.5 mm on the flywheel circumference Ignition advance Filse 32-34 mm on the circumference of the flywheel

Lambretta 125 LD MK Second Version 1953

Production 1953 (MK I)
Starting frame number: 029609 – 053197 (23,589 built)

Production 1953 (MK II)
Starting frame number: 053198 – 075405 (22,208 built)

Details of identification:

Adjustable aluminum handlebar with plastic levers, larger rear brake pedal, rear cable brake control, cylindrical iron tube with spring-loaded cap, brown saddles. Plastic shield on the left side of the shield, side panels with a single oval hole for air vent (the first ’53 still have 2-hole bonnets).

Colour scheme:

All in the same colour Green or Suede or Beige with the exception of saddle frames, wheel rims, hubs, torsion bar lever, license plate holder, easel and door pipe painted in aluminum colored Fiat 690. From 1953 the LD Only Beige Sabbia 8029 is available. The tank and rear fender are gray anti-rust. The crankcase and the air filter are always painted in aluminum color Fiat 690. The aluminum sheet casings that convey the cooling air are only clean (neither painted nor polished).

Maintenance data:

Mixture 5% spark plug short thread 225 scale Bosch Motor oil sae 15/50 400 gr. sae transmission oil 140 100 gr. Carburetor MA18B2 jet max 75 jet min. 40 valve 50 Carburetor MA18B3 jet max 70 jet min. 45 valve 75 Zenith carburettor 18 jet max 102 Marelli ignition advance 34-36.5 mm on the flywheel circumference Ignition advance Filse 32-34 mm on the circumference of the flywheel

Lambretta 125 LD Third Version 1954 – 1955

Production 1954 (MK II)
Starting chassis number: 075406 – 117501 (42,096 built)

Production 1955 (MK II)
Starting chassis number: 117502 – 119564 (2,063 built)

Identification details:

Adjustments to the handlebar for the front brake controls and clutch, dark green saddles, lock on the rear case (D only). Larger saddle frame with green cover closed on the front (the iron holder is moved inside the bonnets), gray rubber tubes to protect the cables on the handlebars. In the last production ’55 the handlebar returns in chromed metal (always adjustable).

Colour scheme:

All in the same Green or Suede or Beige color except for saddle frames, wheel rims, hubs, torsion bar lever, Fiat 690 numbered aluminum plate holder and iron rods. From 1953 the LD is only available Beige Sabbia 8029. The tank and rear fender are gray anti-rust. The crankcase and the air filter are always painted in aluminum color Fiat 690. The aluminum sheet casings that convey the cooling air are only clean (neither painted nor polished).

Maintenance data:

Lambretta 125 LD ’56 derivative

Production from January 1956 to November 1956 (MK II)
Starting frame number: 119565 -140366 (20,802 built)

Details of identification:

Handlebar cables without the protection of rubber hoses, saddle frames type 150 D with green covers open in front, no rear shock absorber, printed aluminum board strips (in some cases the tracks are mounted with the rubber insert type 150 LD). The production of the second half of ’56 stands out for its chrome-plated metal handlebars instead of the polished aluminum handlebar and for the use of a simplified muffler without the additional chrome-plated stirrup.

Color scheme:

All in the same Beige Sand color. The air filter cover and the gearbox receiving box are painted in aluminum Fiat 690 color. Maintenance data: Blend 6% spark plug short thread 225 scale Bosch engine oil sae 15/50 500 cc (LD’57 540 cc) transmission oil sae 140 100 gr. Carburetor MA18B4 jet max 70 jet min. 40 valve 75 Ignition advance 24 ° -26 ° 4-4.6 mm before the top dead center

Lambretta 125 LD ’57 First version

Produced from December 1956 to July 1957 (MK III)
Starting chassis number: 500001 – 530792 (30,792 built)

Muffler with two inspection plugs and short end, front wheel hub without dust cover, front saddle frame with protruding springs, starter pedal with curved rubber. Only for the very first 125 production: saddle frames type 150 D with green covers open anteriorly.

Colour scheme:

All in the same Gray Landa color. Maintenance data: Blend 6% spark plug short thread 225 scale Bosch engine oil sae LD’57 540 cc oil transmission sae 140 100 gr. Carburetor MA18B4 jet max 70 jet min. 40 valve 75 Ignition advance 24 ° -26 ° 4-4.6 mm before the top dead center

Color scheme:

All in the same Gray Landa color.

Maintenance data:

Blend 6% spark plug short thread 225 scale Bosch Sae engine oil 15/50 500 cc (LD’57 540 cc) sae transmission oil 140 100 gr. Carburetor MA18B4 jet max 70 jet min. 40 valve 75 Ignition advance 24 ° -26 ° 4-4.6 mm before the top dead center.

Lambretta 125 LD ’57 Second version

Produced from December 1957 to July 1958 (MK III)
Starting chassis number: 530793 – 543687 (12,895 built)

Details of identification:

Muffler without inspection plugs and with long terminal up to the rear brake lever, front wheel hub with dust cover, front saddle frame with close spring couplings (not to damage the hoods during release), starter pedal with flat rubber. Saddle frames unified to 150 with black covers. Latest production Blind nuts, front and rear hub, self-locking LI type.

Colour scheme:

All in the same Gray Landa colour.

Detailed Information 150LD

Lambretta 150 LD Models

First version year 1954 – mid 1956

Production 1954 (MK II)
Starting frame number: 105001 – 105442 (442 built)

Production 1955 – mid 1956 (MK II)
Starting frame number: 105443 – 157721 (52,279 built)

Details of identification:

Adjustable aluminum handlebar, muffler with removable covers and chromed extra horn, 3-speed gearbox couplings, system without battery (from 8/55 with battery), air vent grilles in plastic (LD).

Colour scheme:

All in the same Sand Beige or Light Gray colour. Only on the first 8,000 machines around the license plate holder is painted aluminum color. The engine casing is painted aluminum color only on the first models. Subsequently the details painted on the engine are only the air filter cover, the box receiving the transmission control cables and the intake manifold. Applies to both models: the rear shock absorber is painted in the upper part of the same body color while in the lower part it is nickel-plated.

Maintenance data:

Mixture 6% spark plug short 225 scale Bosch Sae engine oil 15/50 500 cc sae transmission oil 140 100 gr. Carburetor MA19B4 jet max 72 jet min. 40 valve 75 Carburetor MA18B4 jet max 70 jet min. 40 valve 75 Ignition advance 24 ° -26 ° 4-4.6 mm before the top dead center.

Second version mid 1956 – end 1956

Production mid-1956 – end 1956 (MK II)
Starting frame number: 157301 – 209890 (52,590 built)

Details of identification:

Colour scheme:

All in the same Sand Beige or Light Gray colour except for the Fiat 690 aluminum colored painted iron holder tube. Only on the first 8,000 machines, even the number plate holder and the relative bracket are painted in aluminum color. The crankcase and the air filter cover are always painted in aluminum color.

Maintenance data:

Blend 6% spark plug short 225 scale Bosch Sae engine oil 15/50 500 cc sae transmission oil 140 100 gr. Carburetor MA19B4 jet max 72, jet min. 40 valve 75 Ignition advance 24 ° -26 ° 4-4.6 mm before the top dead center

Lambretta 150 LD 1957 First Version

Produced from January 1957 to July 1958 (MK III) in 81870 specimens.
Starting chassis number: 200001 – 281871

Identification details:

First version up to half ’57 Muffler with two inspection plugs and short end, front wheel hub without dust cover, front saddle frame with protruding springs, starter pedal with curved rubber.

Colour scheme:

All in the same Gray Landa colour except for the hoods, the front and the handlebar fairing which are painted in: Light Blue, Amaranth Red, Emerald Green, England Blue. The gearbox receiving box is painted in a Fiat 690 aluminum color. The shock absorber (only for the 150) is painted in the upper part of the same body color while the lower part is nickel-plated.

Maintenance data:

Blend 6% spark plug short thread 225 scale Bosch Sae engine oil 15/50 500 cc (LD’57 540 cc) sae transmission oil 140 100 gr. Carburetor MA19B4 jet max 72 (150 LD’57 max 75) jet min. 40 valve 75 Carburetor MA18B4 jet max 70 jet min. 40 valve 75 Ignition advance 24 ° -26 ° 4-4.6 mm before the top dead center.

Lambretta 150 LD 1957 Second Version

Produced from the end of 1957 to July 1958 in 31983 specimens.

Starting frame number: 281872 – 313853

Identification details:

Second version from the middle of ’57 until production end: Muffler without inspection plugs and with long terminal up to the rear brake lever, front wheel hub with dust cover, front saddle frame with springs approached (to avoid damaging the hoods during the release), kick-start pedal with flat rubber. Only for 125: Saddle frames unified to 150 with black covers. Latest production: Blind nuts, front and rear hub, self-locking LI type.

Color scheme:

All in the same Gray Landa color except for the hoods, the front and the handlebar fairing which are painted in: Light Blue, Amaranth Red, Emerald Green, England Blue. The gearbox receiving box is painted in a Fiat 690 aluminum color. The shock absorber (only for the 150) is painted in the upper part of the same body color while the lower part is nickel-plated.

Maintenance data:

Mixture 6% spark plug short thread 225 scale Bosch Sae engine oil 15/50 540 cc, transmission oil sae 140 100 gr. Carburetor MA19B4 jet max 75 jet min. 40 valve 75 Carburetor MA18B4 jet max 70 jet min. 40 valve 75 Ignition advance 24 ° -26 ° 4-4.6 mm before the top dead center