Lambretta Li: the series that carried Innocenti through the 1960s

The Lambretta Li of 1958 was the model that made the enclosed body standard on Innocenti scooters. Built in three series in 125 and 150 cc forms, it was the basis of the range through the 1960s, and its third-series shape survived almost unchanged as the DL until production ended in 1971.

Lambretta Li at a glance

The Li has no article of its own; this page is based on the Innocenti Lambretta article in Italian Wikipedia and on the English brand article.

History of the Lambretta Li

The Li appeared in 1958, the year Innocenti abandoned open bodywork for good. With the exception of the LUI, every Lambretta from 1957 onwards had a closed body, a front mudguard integrated into the panels and the engine mounted centrally, and the Li was the model that established this formula for the volume range.

Three series followed. The first Li 125 and 150 were made in 1958–1959, the second series in 1959–1961 and the third from 1962 to 1968. The third series, known as the “scooterlinea”, was the most important: with only small styling changes it remained the basis of Innocenti production until the end, reappearing as the DL in 1969.

The Li was also an export success. In the United States the retailer Montgomery Ward imported the Li 125 and sold it through its catalogue under the Riverside brand. Like other Lambrettas, the Li became a favourite of the mod movement in Britain and of customisers, who tuned the engines, repainted the bodies and added mirrors and accessories.

Design and features

• Enclosed body: the model that made full panelling standard on the Lambretta range.
• Three series: continuous development from 1958 to 1968.
• Scooterlinea shape: the third-series body lasted, with small changes, until 1971.
• Export and culture: sold in the USA as the Riverside and adopted by British mods.

Lambretta Li versions

• Li 125/150 (1958–1959): the first series with the new enclosed body.
• Li II series (1959–1961): the second series.
• Li III series (1962–1968): the “scooterlinea” body that led to the DL.
• Riverside: the Montgomery Ward catalogue version for the United States.

The Li sat between the D and LD and the sporting TV, and its body led to the GP and DL. More scooters are in the Lambretta collection.

Video: 1966 Lambretta Li 125 Series II

Video on YouTube.

Sources

• Innocenti Lambretta, Italian Wikipedia: Li series, dates, scooterlinea, mod culture
• Lambretta, English Wikipedia: Montgomery Ward and Riverside imports