Overview Lambretta 125 & 150 LI Series 3

With the introduction of the Lambretta Li Series 3 in the "slim style", Innocenti laid the foundation for an extensive production line, with almost all subsequent large-frame models being based on the Li Series 3. The design of the Li 3, a highlight of the sixties, was often emphasised in advertising by the appearance of the sixties icon Jane Mansfield posing on the scooter. The Series 3 proved to be a commercial success for Innocenti thanks to its longevity in production, economy and the advanced development of the parts fitted. A total of 143,091 units of the 150cc model and 146,734 units of the 125cc model were produced and left Innocenti's production facilities.

Model history Lambretta 125 & 150 LI Series 3

The design of the bodywork and Cover of the third series was completely revised and presented itself as slimmer and more elegant than its predecessor model from the second series. With innovations such as improved Headlight Units, a modern Horn, narrower Legshields, more elegant covers and slimmer rear Footboards, the "Slim Style" truly lived up to its name. The vehicles were equipped with two single seats as standard, but a double seat was also offered as an alternative on request. In contrast to the decorative but non-functional Grilles of the predecessors, the third series models were characterised by real frame badges on Holders that identified the respective model - Li125 or Li150.
The redesign allowed the use of a kickstarter pedal with a lower angle, adapted to the slimmer shape of the body and floorboards. The carburettor hose, which outwardly resembled the earlier models, was also adapted in length to bridge the distance between the Air Filter Box and the carburettor more efficiently. The Air Filter Box itself underwent a slight redesign: it was slimmer, with a newly designed metal neck and an improved mounting system for the Air Filter Sponge.
Instead of the previous design with a box and a separate tailpipe and U-bend, a boxier Exhaust with a continuous U-bend up to the Cylinder was fitted. In the UK, all models were legally equipped with a Battery, which not only powered the parking lights, but also the Horn and Brake Light, in accordance with the regulations for British vehicles at the time. Other markets continued to rely on the usual direct lighting system, which was also standard on the Lambretta.
The front suspension retained its original Innocenti design with trailing arms, which rested on buffers but had a slightly modified, slimmer shape. The rear suspension design, a combination spiral Silencer unit, remained the same but was shortened by half an inch. The brakes received minimal cosmetic updates, but retained the drum brake system both front and rear. One new feature was the Locking Washer on the rear hub, which now sat in a recess within the Hub itself, which also received an additional hole. This elevated the total number of holes to three, making it easier to fit the Cluster Circlip. The rear Hub was tightened to a torque of 150 lbs, with the three holes simplifying the application of the preset torque.
Due to the unusually long production time - the longest ever for a Model - numerous modifications were made during the production phase. The initial versions of the Li Series 3 still utilised the four-pole stator of the second series, but over time they switched to a more advanced six-pole system that offered improved electrics through the insertion of additional Lighting Coils. In the 125cc models, adjustments were made to the Gearboxes to increase the top speed. These improvements were integrated into both new and existing models. In 1965, the Chrome Ring under the headset was removed, with the resulting gap being compensated for by a deeper base for the headset.

• Li Series 3 - First version (1962)

• The Screws fixing the Bridge Piece are 120 mm apart, identical to Series 2. The Distance Pieces for the Side Panels are made entirely of Rubber.

• Li Series 3 - Second version (from the end of 1962 to mid-1965)

• The screw spacing for the Bridge Piece has been extended to 132 mm. The side cover spacers are now attached by means of a metal clip.

• Li Series 3 - Third version (from mid-1965 to May 1967)

• The Chrome Ring between the Handlebar and the Legshield is removed. From January 1966, the mechanism of the side bonnet catches is simplified.

• Li Series 3 - Fourth version (From September 1967 to November 1967)

• The brand crest makes way for a rectangular Innocenti emblem. The Side Panels no longer have aluminium Lock Levers. The inscription under the Seat now reads "Lambretta Innocenti".

The Engine of the Lambretta 125 & 150 LI Series 3

Behind the Cover, the technical components remained largely unchanged, but there were a few minor cosmetic adjustments. The insertion of a new SH18 carburettor, which had a bottom-mounted Float Chamber - as opposed to the older MA/MB carburettors with a side-mounted Float Chamber - improved both the fuel efficiency and the top speed of the updated Li model. In addition, the distinctive Kickstart Lever stop bead of the 1/2 series was replaced by a slimmer chaincase, giving the design a more streamlined look.

Miscellaneous Lambretta 125 & 150 LI Series 3

in 1967, Innocenti launched a special series of Li 125 models, the existence of which is still shrouded in mystery to this day. Approximately 1400 examples were produced, the exact purpose of which remains unclear; it is speculated that they may have been made for a specific order. At first glance, the Li S4 appears to be a typical Li model, but a closer look reveals subtle changes. The previously bolted fork bumpers have been replaced by the pressure pads that were common on other models at the time. The Side Panels Trims are attached with Clips instead of the usual Grips. The traditional cast horn crest gave way to a silver-coloured Emblem with the Innocenti Badge on a blue background. The rear frame emblem, which previously characterised the Li 125, was also replaced by the Lambretta Innocenti emblem, which was also found on the SX models. Grey plastic toolboxes were also fitted under the Side Parts.

Situation used market Lambretta 125 & 150 LI Series 3

Where do you look for this vehicle?

• At your trusted Lambretta dealer

• Classified adverts in the local newspaper

• Markets and trade fairs such as Mostra Scambis in Italy

• Online marketplaces such as www.mobile.de, www.autoscout24.de etc.

The colours of the Lambretta 150 LI Series 3

Colour	Colour name	Colour code	Colour info
	Grigio	8068
	Bianco Nuovo	8059
	Azzurro Nuovo	8038
	Verde Nilo	8015
	Rosso Rubino	8047