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Motor scooters have been around for a very long time. Many of the older
models hold a special nostalgic memory for riders and depending on the
make and model could be difficult to find. The Lambretta scooter is one
scooter that is highly respected. This particular scooter got its start
back in 1922 when a man by the name of Ferdinando Innocenti moved from his
native Pescia to Rome. His goal was to build a factory where he developed
and manufactured numerous wares made from steel tubing.
By 1931, Milan had become the industrial center of Italy so Innocenti
moved there to build an even larger factory. His business was so large
and prosperous that more than 6,000 employees worked there. However, as
WWII came along, the factory was destroyed along with Innocenti's personal
homeland. Roads were blown up, bridges destroyed, and people had no way
to get around since cars were almost impossible to find. His idea of a
motor scooter was something that could be built for a fraction of what it
would cost to build a car and would be inexpensive to operate while
maneuvering throughout the torn down cities.
Therefore, motor scooters went into production in 1947. Before long,
other countries such as India, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and more along
with Italy, had joined in motor scooter world. Some countries such as
Spain and South America, marketed the Lambretta under separate names like
Serveta and Siambretta. Over the years, Innocenti's models grew and the
market for motor scooters continued to grow. In fact, Innocenti believed
his motor scooter had the most economical and fastest motor in the world
and was eager to prove it. This lead to the development of several racing
models such as the "B" racer. With modifications such as a larger inlet
manifold and carburetor, high compression finned cylinder head, sports
exhaust, quick action throttle, larger capacity tank for fuel, dampened
suspension, quick release spare wheel, and more, the racing model came to
life.
There was also the racing car "C" and racing car "D." The "D" model was
the model that had a cable operated rear brake, 150cc engine, and a rear
suspension damper. Although the production of these racing models was
limited and only offered to dealers that could sell a larger volume of
motor scooters, this was a huge step in automobile history. The Lambretta
motor scooter can still be seen on the roads in Italy and Rome. In fact,
this is the motor scooter often seen in movies. Probably the most
sophisticated of all models was the Rallymaster. This was an impressive
scooter with an elegant black paint and striking red stripes across the
side panels. This motor scooter had a special instrument panel that
houses a rev counter, had a stopwatch holder, extra spotlight switch,
illuminated map light, and more. Although there have been numerous motor
scooters since, the Lambretta will forever hold a special place in the
hearts of many.
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