1959 LAMBRETTA 125CC LI RACING SCOOTER (LOT 616)

This motorcycle is to be auctioned at our Live and Online Summer Sale, Hanger 113, Bicester Heritage, OX26 5HA.
Please click the link to see the full online Lot listing: www.bonhams.com/auctions/26111/
SALE TIMES
Friday 14 August Spares & Memorabilia (Lot 1 - 212) 10am
Saturday 15 August Motorcycles (Lot 301 - 462) 10am
Sunday 16 August Motorcycles (Morbidelli Collection) (Lot 501 - 704) 10am
VIEWING
In light of the current government guidelines and relaxed measures we are delighted to welcome viewing, strictly by appointment. All the lots will be on view at Bicester Heritage in our traditional Hangar 113. We will ensure social distancing measures are in place, with gloves and sanitiser available for clients wishing to view motorcycle history files.
Please contact Bonhams Motorcycles with your preferred date, time and vehicle registration number to book an appointment.
VIEWING TIMES
Wednesday 12 August 1pm to 5pm
Thursday 13 August 9am to 5pm
Friday 14 August 9am to 5pm
Saturday 15 August 9am to 5pm (Lots 501-704 only)
LIVE AND ONLINE AUCTION
Please note that whilst public viewing is available by appointment, the auction itself will be conducted from a remote saleroom, behind closed doors without public access, in accordance with the current government guidelines. All bidding will be conducted via Online, Telephone and Absentee Bidding. Please contact our Bids Department to register.
AUCTION ADDRESS
Hangar 113
Bicester Heritage
Buckingham Road
Bicester
Oxfordshire
OX26 5HA
1959 LAMBRETTA 125CC LI RACING SCOOTER (LOT 616)
FRAME NO. 125LI 533525
ENGINE NO. 125LI 507332
Manufactured by the Italian industrial giant Innocenti, the Lambretta scooter gained instant acceptance in the immediate post-war years, its cleanliness and convenience in particular appealing to those who regarded the true motorcycle with suspicion. Following the unreliable TV 175 Series 1, Lambretta went back to the drawing board to create one of its all-time greats: the Li. Built as a 125 or 150, the classic Li used the bore/stroke dimensions of the preceding 'D' Series but housed its entirely new engine in modern bodywork similar to that of the TV. Motor scooters have been raced since their earliest days, not the least in Italy, and this Lambretta Li was built by Giancarlo Morbidelli specifically to compete in the 1994 historical rerunning of the famous Milan-Taranto long-distance road race. The Lambretta was one of four machines entered by the Binova-Cucine team and was ridden by Giampiero Findanno, who led the race into the final day only to be delayed by an engine seizure; even so, he managed to finish 1st in class and 2nd overall. Its surprising result notwithstanding, the Morbidelli-prepared Lambretta was the most talked-about machine in the field, being much admired for its technical innovation. Still carrying its Milan-Taranto competitor's plates, this unique machine is offered with a selection of contemporary press cuttings and photographs.
£5,000 - 10,000
€5,600 - 11,000
To be sold without reserve
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.