SIL

Scooters India Limited – The Story of the Indian Lambretta

Scooters India Limited (SIL) took over the rights and tools for producing the Lambretta from Innocenti in 1971. After a setup phase, commercial production of two-wheelers began in 1975, followed later by three-wheelers.

From Government Project to Lambretta Production

The story of SIL begins in 1972, when it was founded by the Indian government under the name Scooters India Limited. The goal was to promote local production of scooters and expand mobility infrastructure in India. A key milestone was the acquisition of production rights and machinery from Italian manufacturer Innocenti, who had previously built the legendary Lambretta scooters. This secured both technical know-how and a globally recognised cult brand.

Technical Development and International Legacy

In 1975, SIL officially began manufacturing its own vehicles. The Vijai Deluxe (DL), based on the Lambretta GP and tailored to the Indian market, was introduced. This was followed by the improved Vijai Super with a stronger engine and added comfort features. At the same time, the Lambretta GP was exported under the SIL label, especially to Europe and countries with a strong Lambretta fanbase. These export models were often better equipped and supported the brand’s international presence. With growing competition in the Indian scooter market and the rise of Japanese manufacturers, SIL’s production came under increasing pressure. Though considered robust, the vehicles struggled to keep up technologically. In 1997, SIL ended its two-wheeler production and shifted focus to three-wheelers (Auto Rickshaws) and supplying original spare parts for Lambretta and Vijai models. SIL remained a key source for original components, especially valued by Lambretta enthusiasts worldwide. Today, SIL is still recognised in the community as the last official producer using original Innocenti tooling – a legacy that continues to play a central role in many restoration projects.

The Importance of SIL Lambrettas to the Scene

The SIL Lambretta holds a unique place in the history of classic scooters. It represents the final chapter of official Lambretta production and serves as a bridge between Italian origins and the global community that still cherishes the brand. After Innocenti’s factory closed in the early 1970s, most tools, machinery and production rights were sold to Scooters India Limited. Under government oversight, Lambretta scooters continued to be produced, technically based on the Lambretta GP/DL – the last Italian model. These vehicles – especially the Vijai DL/Super (for India) and the Lambretta GP (for export) – preserved the original Lambretta DNA but were often simplified and cost-optimised. Despite this, they were known for their reliability and became popular for everyday use.

SIL Lambretta: Cult, Parts Source and Custom Base

SIL models are vital to the international Lambretta community. Many spare parts made by SIL are fully compatible with Italian originals and have kept thousands of scooters running for decades. These scooters were also an affordable entry point into the scene and remain a popular platform for conversions, tuning or daily use. Their historical value is significant – SIL was the last official producer using Innocenti tools, giving these vehicles authenticity and legitimacy. They also form a solid technical ...