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Casa Lambretta, a long story ... part two - Scooter & Lambretta museum

CASA LAMBRETTA - SCOOTER & LAMBRETTA MUSEUM

Above the head offices of Casa Lambretta we have the Museo Scooter & Lambretta. In a plain building Vittorio has managed to create an exhibition which is unique for the quality and quantity of the scooters on display.

Founded in 2001 in its original location with the support of the city of Rodano, the museum was included in the provincial museum system Milano Citta del Progetto in 2004 and since 2010 it is hosted in its present location.

THE MODELS ON DISPLAY

Around 160 exhibits exemplify document the history of the scooter. The first models were built before the Second World War, whereas the latest exhibits date back to the 70s. Besides the Italian models, Vittorio has also collected scooters produced by manufacturers from England, Germany, Austria, Spain, USA, Russia, France, Japan, Belgium, Czech Republic and Switzerland.

In the first of the five exhibition halls there are about ten Vespas from the V98 models onwards. When moving to the other halls, we pass by three Belmondo scooters from the 40s, probably what inspired Piaggio to design the Paperino.

In the halls 2 and 3 the different scooters are grouped according to year and country of manufacture. The exhibition is just impressive: from perfect restorations, scooters found in a barn and in preserved state, to new vehicles in original condition, here you can just find everything. Among the rarest models we have the Honda Juno K (Honda's first scooter dating back to 1954, the Nibbio, built in Lombardy in 1947, the Bastert monotrace or also the Auto-Fauteuil (the first scooter model dating back to 1908).

01_entrance area01_entrance area
02_Model B window display02_Model B window display
03_TRI-LAMBRETTA last new Innocenti design (1970)03_TRI-LAMBRETTA last new Innocenti design (1970)
04_V98_ with Vespa U and militaria in the background04_V98_ with Vespa U and militaria in the background
05_Vespa 125U05_Vespa 125U
06_GS 150 VS1T06_GS 150 VS1T
07_Vjatka 150 Russian copy07_Vjatka 150 Russian copy
08_Vyatka08_Vyatka
09_pre WW209_pre WW2
10_Honda Juno (K series) Salsbury in background10_Honda Juno (K series) Salsbury in background
11_Lowther Lightnin 194911_Lowther Lightnin 1949
12_guided tour through paradise12_guided tour through paradise
13_Honda Juno M Series 2 cylinder, 4 stroke, Boxer, automatic transmission13_Honda Juno M Series 2 cylinder, 4 stroke, Boxer, automatic transmission
14_Honda Juno M Series14_Honda Juno M Series
15_MV Augusta15_MV Augusta
16_Italian corner16_Italian corner
17_Ducati17_Ducati
1818
19_Baster and Lohner19_Baster and Lohner
20_ami20_ami

THE LAMBRETTA COLLECTION

The heart of the collection is represented by the Lambretta models displayed in the further two halls. From 1947 to 1971 Innocenti built over four million of Lambretta scooters in the nearby factory at Lambrate. If you also add the licensed production from India, Spain, Germany, France, Asia and South America, the Lambretta represents one of the most produced scooters worldwide.

Thanks to his decade long passion Vittorio was able to raise a unique collection of Lambretta scooters: from the first, widely known models A with chassis number 2, to the three wheel FB Lambretta with box casing dating back to 1949, two Lambrettas series 2 with genuine paint for the Olympic games which took place in Rome in 1960, the completely gold -plated TV 175 series 3 for the actress Jane Mansfield, to different Lambrettas painted in yellow and with a four-leaf clover, reserved for the Innocenti family.

The absolute highlight are the prototypes and one-off models which would probably not have survived if Vittorio had not rescued them in time.

 

2121
2222
24_Lambretta collection24_Lambretta collection
25_TV 175 Series 325_TV 175 Series 3
26_Model FB for selling ice cream with Olympic painted Series 2 in background26_Model FB for selling ice cream with Olympic painted Series 2 in background
27_FB of gelateria Alpina27_FB of gelateria Alpina
28_Original painted Series 2 scooters for the Olympic Games in Rome 196028_Original painted Series 2 scooters for the Olympic Games in Rome 1960
29_Lambretta collection29_Lambretta collection
30-J range and Lambretinos30-J range and Lambretinos
31_Lambretta collection31_Lambretta collection
32_Lambretta TV 175 Argentia32_Lambretta TV 175 Argentia
33_Lambretta TV 175 Brasilia33_Lambretta TV 175 Brasilia
34_Lambretta GP 150 India34_Lambretta GP 150 India
35_original model of the Innocenti plant35_original model of the Innocenti plant
36_partial view of the model of the Innocent plant36_partial view of the model of the Innocent plant
37_Lambretta Rallymaster37_Lambretta Rallymaster
38_Lambretta twin cylinder prototype38_Lambretta twin cylinder prototype
39-Lambretta J range pre-production prototype39-Lambretta J range pre-production prototype
40_push bike room40_push bike room
41_more push bikes41_more push bikes
42_latest find 1st hand & original condition Draisienne (early 19th century)42_latest find 1st hand & original condition Draisienne (early 19th century)

VIRTUAL TOURS

http://www.museoscooter.it/#visitavirtuale

HOW TO REACH US

Casa Lambretta is situated in Rodano, in the province of Milan. Not far away from the Linate airport and about 15 minutes from the Centro Studi and the former Innocenti factory in Lambrate.
The city center of Milan is 11km from the museum and Casa Lambretta, therefore easy to reach by car. If you travel by taxi it costs about 30 euros.

Entry to the museum is free of charge.
If you have a long journey, we recommend you to inform the museum by telephone.

OPENING TIMES

Monday-Friday: 9am - 12pm / 2:30 am - 6pm

Saturday-Sunday: upon reservation for groups

www.museoscooter.it

 

WHICH MUSEUMS CAN BE VISITED IN THE NEARBY AREA?

 

Casa Lambretta, a long story ...

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Plan / drawing for baseboards original Innocenti Lambretta

Lambretta footboard stripes from Casa Lambretta

Casa Lambretta footboard strip sets Li family

The supply of spare parts for the Lambretta is probably better today than it has been for fifty years. The range of parts from various manufacturers is getting bigger and more colorful.

We remember with horror the supply of spare parts at the time we did it Scooter Center Started in 1992. Even if the parts did fit, the gray tones of the rubber parts of a series 3, for example, changed from whitish yellow to anthracite. Supplying series 1 and 2 parts was hard to imagine.

We are Casa Lambretta dealers for Germany

Scooter Center Team with Vittorio Tessera

Fortunately, we have been since the beginning of the new millennium Casa Lambretta dealer for Germany. A nice report on the history of Victor Tessera and Casa Lambretta can be found in the November and December 2017 issue of Scootering. The report is currently also available online:

https://www.scootering.com/scootering-classics-story-of-vittorio-tessera/

There is an outline of the history of Casa Lambretta, which began in 1979/80. So not that long after the end of production of the dl / GP series. The parallel between Vittorio's experiences with Lambretta in the early days and those of the Lambretta drivers in the early nineties is particularly beautiful. Where a minority had to acquire a thick skin to justify the Lambretta. But we seem to digress ...

Actually, it's about the step rails from Casa Lambretta for the Li family. Let's do it chronologically.

Lambretta TV 175 Series 1

It's very easy for the TV 175 Series 1. For the top model from Innocenti, which was built around 10.000 times between 1957 and 1958, there is the

Lambretta LI series 1

With the Li series 1 there is a distinction between the 125 cc and the 150 cc models. The Li 125 comes with continuous aluminum strips at the front and the gray plastic strips on the running boards:

The Li 150 Series 1 has aluminum strips at the front, into which rubber tread strips are inserted and which are closed off by the tread strip end pieces:

Lambretta LI & TV Series 2

After more than 150.000 series 1 Lambrettas have been built, the series 2 is the successor. The solution for the gradation of the models by - among other things - the step rails is retained. The TV 175 Series 2 gets the same floor strips and end pieces as the Li 150.

Lambretta LI series 3

With the Series 3 it's very easy. Here, all models get the same set of steps made of plastic in gray, paired with inner aluminum strips with rubber inlay and step rail end pieces as a finishing touch:

Lambretta dl/GP

In the case of the dl / GP series, in addition to the color - black instead of gray - only the design of the treadboard end pieces and of course the specific lengths at the front for the other leg shield of the dl / GP compared to series 3 changes:

Built according to original Innocenti plans

Plan / drawing for baseboards original Innocenti Lambretta

The nice thing about the Casa Lambretta parts is next to that excellent quality the fact that many parts after the original Innocenti drawings are manufactured. The correct mounting material is included in the scope of delivery.

Made with original tools

Machine / tool for baseboards original Innocenti Lambretta

In the case of the plastic step strips for Series 3, the attention to detail can go a little further. They are cast on the original tools by one of the original manufacturers for Innocenti. So they correspond exactly to the original in every aspect. Also with regard to the corrugation on the top. An advantage that should not be underestimated for an accurate restoration.

Philip
Scooter Center

Lambretta seat covers from Casa Lambretta

Scooter Center goes Italy - 4 Casa Lambretta & Lambretta Museum

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Lambretta seat covers by Casa Lambretta

Made in Italy: Hand made seat covers from Casa Lambretta

We have been working very closely with Vittorio Tessera from Casa Lambretta for many years. Our cooperation is based on a friendly relationship and a love for the vehicles from Milan.

Casa Lambretta produces Lambretta parts for the Li family (Li, TV, LiS, GT, SX, dl and GP) the small Lambrettas Junior and LUI as well as for the early cardan models.

In addition to reproducing parts, Vittorio Tessera has a considerable collection of various scooters that he makes available to the public in the Museo Scooter & Lambretta. As a rule, he also likes to take the time for a personal tour:

Lambretta Museum Museo Italy Milano Vittorio Tessera: world's oldest Lambretta 😯

Scooter Center goes Italy - 4 Casa Lambretta & Lambretta Museum

 

Lambretta literature

As if that weren't enough, Vittorio also wrote the standard works on Lambretta. Here you will find almost all information about Lambretta and the special features of the vehicles as well as changes within the model series.

Lambretta books by Vittorio

Vittorio Tessera books

 

Lambretta tuning

For some time now, Vittorio has also taken up the topic of tuning and is together with Dean Orton the head behind the Casa performance Share.

Casa performance

Casa Lambretta Tuning Casa Performance Lambretta Parts

Handmade Lambretta seat covers

The Casa Lambretta seat covers are handcrafted in Italy. The covers for the Li family come as standard with the INNOCENTI shield as it was used until 1968:

LAmbretta seat cover with Innocenti sign

Buy Casa Lambretta seat cover here

INNOCENTI - sign until 1968

The INNOCENTI sign is of course also available individually:

Lettering bench -LAMBRETTA- Innocenti -

INNOCENTI - sign from 1968

The sign used from 1968 is of course also available.

Lettering bench -LAMBRETTA- Lambretta Innocenti - LI, LIS, SX, TV - black Article no. 8050085

 

Lambretta bench sign dl / GP

Not to be confused with the sign for the dl / GP:

Lettering bench -LAMBRETTA- Lambretta - DL, GP Article no. 8050121

The bgm PRO seat pad for more comfort

A nice addition to increase driving comfort on longer tours is the bgm PRO seat pad:

Seat cushion (foam) -BGM PRO- Lambretta LI, LI S, SX, TV, DL, GP - for standard seat article no. 3330894

Restoration of the Lambretta bench

An old frame can also be overhauled with new springs if necessary:

Bench frame spring set -MADE IN ITALY- Lambretta LI, LI S, SX, TV Article no. 7676765

Link spring kit: http://www.scooter-center.com/product/7676765

New Lambretta bench frame

Of course, the bench frames are also available in completely new:

New Lambretta bench frame

Color of the seams on the Lambretta's seat cover

A popular and controversial question is the color of the seams on the seat covers. Would the seams have to be white or the same as the color of the seat? For this purpose, Vittorio sent us a couple of original photos from Innocenti, which show the color of the seams. Nice to see in the photo with the two Silver Specials that both end caps on the seat belt were used during production.

Casa Lambretta Lambretta bench cover Casa Lambretta Lambretta bench cover Casa Lambretta Lambretta bench cover

Buy Casa Lambretta seat cover here
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Scooter Center goes Italy - 4 Casa Lambretta & Lambretta Museum

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Lambretta, Lambretta, Lambretta ...

This is the 4th and last part of our Italy series:

1. Rimini Lambretta Center 20th Anniversary Open Day / Rimini
2. Try Cromate Scooter Club Ride Out / Rimini
3. Polini plans tour / Bergamo
4. Visit of the Casa Lambretta and Lambretta Museum / Milan

After spending the morning at Polini, we spent the afternoon at Casa Lambretta.

Spare parts, accessories and tuning parts for all Lambretta Scooters

IMG_1060-lambretta-museum-vittorio-tessera-ital

In cooperation with Casa Lambretta we supply everything Lambretta restoration parts. The Casa Lambretta range includes, others amongst, parts for the very old shaft driven Lambretta models m (A) to F, Lambretta Smallframe parts for Junior and Lui and spare parts for the Li family. Victor Tessera offers spare parts made in italy but so accessories and tuning parts for all Lambretta scooters.

The entire Casa business is focused on Vittorio. He is the key player for all reproducing parts. Dean Orton and the Rimini Lambretta Center Recently offered to conduct external quality checks for Casa. This is how Casa products are constantly being improved. The toolbox lock for series 3 is a recent example. It was equipped with a new locking cylinder and finally no longer gets anybody's attention due to unpleasant rattle.

Vittorio Tessera does not only do restoration works. He also has published many books on Lambretta and scooters in general. Vittorio's book Innocenti The Definitive History is the core literature on Lambretta. Later the Restoration Guide was added, which explains all details concerning restoration of various Lambretta models:

  • characteristics
  • gloss paints,
  • galvanic processes
  • and anything else you should know.

Lambretta Museum

Lambretta Museum Vittorio Tessera Italia

And this is not the end. There also is the museum, which exhibits milestones in the development in the history of scooters. These have been collected from all over the world and have been restored, if necessary. Lambretta is in the focus of the museum and you can admire models from the oldest Lambretta to the prototypes, which are also treated in Innocenti The Definitive History.

Information, pictures, history and virtual tour: www.museoscooter.it/

Casa Lambretta shop and warehouse

Anus on intensive and extensive tour through the scooter museum, we step down to the Casa Lambretta shop and warehouse. Vittorio shows us his new Lambretta parts, which he got since our last visit or which are currently in a development stage. For example:

  • all spare parts for the SH carburetor including atomizers,
  • all parts for the gearbox,
  • all springs for lamps,
  • brass throttle roller and gas roller,
  • Series 2 gear change twist grip

... These are only some of the new Casa Lambretta parts that we will receive from Vittorio.

All pictures

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