In edition 16 of ScooterNova magazine we celebrate the Bertone-designed dl/Grand Prix model, which was the final new Lambretta to be produced in Italy before Innocenti closed their scooter division. You can read more about that here and buy the magazine here.
Our regular contributor and Innocenti archivist Vittorio Tessera has just uncovered a very interesting piece of paperwork that lists all the completed models of Lambretta scooter and three-wheeler that were in the factory on the closing date of 30 April 1971.
As you can see, they had stock of the pedal-assisted mopeds, versions of the final J50 scooter, a few Lui models and the latest dl in 125, 150 and 200cc variants, as well as 169 versions of the 200 Electronic. Cross-referencing these figures with previously published production dates suggests that either said dates can be corrected now this piece of information has come to light, or that there were plenty of unsold, small-capacity Lambrettas sitting around at the Innocenti factory gathering dust for a while.
Also interesting is that aforementioned production figures suggest that the Lambro 600 was assembled in January 1972, so maybe a later order was honoured using pre-produced parts to keep the workforce busy while Innocenti tried to find a buyer for their scooter plant and brands?
In the past I might have said here, “we’ll probably never know,” but there is of course every chance that Vittorio will find yet more revealing paperwork the deep he searches the archives!
**If the story of Innocenti and it’s scooter products interests you, then you’ll be pleased to learn that Vittorio Tessera writes regular articles for ScooterNova magazine. ScooterNova is an independent publication, produced by scooterists every two months. To find out more and to subscribe visit the magazine website here.
IT IS Ok!