Manufacturer | Lambretta |
---|---|
Production | 1947-1948 |
Predecessor | None |
Successor | Lambretta Model B |
Class | Scooter |
Engine | 123 cc, two-stroke, single cylinder |
Bore / stroke | 52mm x 58mm |
Top speed | 44 mph (71 km/h) |
Power | 4.3 hp (3 kW; 4 PS) |
Transmission | 3-speed, Foot Operated |
Suspension | None (rear), two bushings (front) |
Brakes | Drum brakes |
Tyres | 3.50*7 |
Dimensions | L: 1620mm W: 650mm H: 880mm |
Weight | 60kg (dry) |
Fuel consumption | 110 mpg‑imp (2.6 L/100 km; 92 mpg‑US) |
The Lambretta Model A is the first production model of Lambretta scooters. It was Ferdinando Innocenti's idea of a cheap type of transport for Italy in the mid-late 1940s.[3]
Overview
The Lambretta Model A was the first production scooter from Ferdinando Innocenti's Lambretta. It was designed because Ferdinando Innocenti realised the importance of cheap transport to rebuild Post-War Italy.[4] The bike's design was radical for its time but was also easy to operate.[3] The bike was produced from October 1947-October 1948 and sold 9,669 units.[3]
Design
The tubular frame was made of 2 sections; the front end was made of pressed steel connected to the steering and front forks.[3] It came with a tool box, gear indicator, foot pedal gears and an oil measuring jug integrated into the petrol tank cap.[3] The 123cc engine was shaft driven and direct air cooled.[3] The Model A also came with a 3-Speed Gear Box, the front forks consisted of 2 bushes only and there was no rear suspension.[3] It came with drum brakes and 7 inch chrome wheel rims.[3]
Sales and Production
The Lambretta Model A sold badly in the first 2 months only moving 47 units but production picked up and in the last 5 months they were producing over 1,000 units a month.[3]
Month and Year | Production |
---|---|
October 1947 | 22 |
November 1947 | 25 |
December 1947 | 105 |
January 1948 | 143 |
February 1948 | 342 |
March 1948 | 658 |
April 1948 | 758 |
May 1948 | 890 |
June 1948 | 1198 |
July 1948 | 1205 |
August 1948 | 1100 |
September 1948 | 1750 |
October 1948 | 1473 |
Total | 9,669 |
References
- ^ "Lambretta Model A", Lambretta Club of Great Britain. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ^ "Lambretta A 125", Lambretta Motorcycles. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Lambretta Model A". www.ilambretta.co.uk. Retrieved 2015-11-11.
- ^ "The Florentine - article » Ferdinando Innocenti". www.theflorentine.net. Retrieved 2015-11-11.