Lambretta Li Special 150
Series 3

In 1963, the Li 150 Special was designed to close the gap between the Lambretta Li and the TV. Designed as a somewhat sportier version of the Li, it looks strikingly similar to the TV. Only the lettering, color and the lack of disc brakes indicate that it is a completely different scooter. The double seat is standard.

The engine has a modified cylinder and a different cylinder head. This provides an increase in power of 1.65 hp compared to the Li 150 and a peak value of 8.25 hp. Due to the Li150 engine abbreviation, the engine of the Special 150 can only be recognized externally by the large silent blocks.

The transmission of the 150 Special is closely stepped and has therefore always been particularly popular with tuners. Unfortunately, although the third gear initially proved to be stable enough for all standard engines, it was hopelessly undersized for the more powerful engine versions. Fortunately, Innocenti reinforced the gearbox in later models. As the Specials were advertised in England with the band Gerry & the Pacemakers (the Beatles were initially intended), the gearbox is often referred to as the Pacemaker gearbox.

Alarmed by declining sales figures, Innocenti decided to launch two special models of the 150 Special in 1965: the Silver Special and the Golden Special. The Silver Special is not quite so spectacular, as the vehicles are painted silver anyway. The only special features are the Silver lettering under the seat and above the Special lettering on the leg shield. The Golden Special, on the other hand, is painted completely in a light gold metallic. In addition to the Golden lettering, it also features a green double seat.

A total of 69529 150 Specials were built, which left the Innocenti factory in silver or gold. Only the Pacemaker variants of the Special were given a different color scheme for the British market. The basic white paintwork is combined with different colors. To increase sales, some of these Pacemaker models were advertised with built-in disc brakes, but delivered without them.

In October 1965, the Special was also launched on the market as a 125 cc version. Apart from the lettering and the light blue metallic paint, the 125 and the 150 Special are visually indistinguishable.

Technically, the 125 Special is somewhat more sophisticated than the 150 cc version. The combination of SH 20 carburetor, revised cylinder porting, increased compression and a cylinder head with a central combustion chamber is good for a top performance of 7.12 hp and 90 km/h. Thanks to the short gear ratio, the 125cc accelerates better than its big brother. The gearbox later found its way into the sporty DL / GP 125 and 200 models. Towards the end of the production period, the engine was extensively overhauled and was also found in the DL 125. Here, the engine cover of the DL and the clutch as well as the rear sprocket were taken forward without rivets.

Towards the end of production, the white buttons on the light switch are replaced by black ones, the side cover catches of the DL / GP are retained, the toolbox is made of gray plastic and the cascade emblem is replaced by the rectangular Innocenti lettering. The seat is still covered in blue.

When production of the 125 Special was also stopped in October 1966, a total of 29841 units had rolled off the production line. Very few of these were painted white rather than light blue metallic.

Li 150 Special - 1st version
(09/1963 to mid-1964)

Side cover spacer made entirely of rubber.


Li 150 Special - 2nd version
(mid-1964 to May 1965)

Side cover spacer with metal spring.
150 Special (3rd version) May 1965 to September 1965: In addition to the "Special" lettering on the leg shield, there is the designation "Golden" and "Silver", depending on the color.


Li 150 Special - 4th version
(September 1965 to October 1966)

The chrome ring between the handlebars and leg shield disappears. The side bonnet closures are simplified.

Original paint (Lechler)

Grigio Met. (silver)
8060

Oro Chiaro Met. (Gold)
8063