Jacob GranTurismo & Lambretta: Taiwan’s contribution to scooter culture
Lambretta and Taiwan - A long tradition
As the best scooter in the world, the Lambretta has conquered hearts around the globe. And the brand also has a special history in Taiwan, not only thanks to licensed production in the 1960s.
And also the introduction of the new manufacturer Jacob GranTurismo at Scooter Center:
Jacob GranTurismo
Today we take a look at this exciting journey and introduce the high-quality accessories from Taiwan that continue the Lambretta tradition. And bring back what are probably the most sought-after grips of all time.
The beginnings: licensed production at Yue Long in the 1960s
The history of Lambretta in Taiwan began in 1962, when Innocenti concluded a technical agreement with Yue Long Motor Co. Ltd. in Taipei. Under this license, the legendary TV175 Series 3 models (TV175 Mk III) were assembled in Taiwan. These scooters bore characteristic frame numbers with the prefix YLL-175TV3-... and were available in Li- or Special-body versions, often in white with contrasting color trim or in silver.
Yue Long's production facility was impressive: the factory even attracted foreign visitors, including state guests, and letter carriers proudly rode green TV models through the streets. The first 600 units sold quickly, underlining the brand's successful start in Taiwan. However, despite this promising start, production stalled in the late 1960s.
Challenges and retreat: late 1960s to 1970s
Over time, strict import and production guidelines and increasing competition from Japanese manufacturers such as Honda and Yamaha led to a decline in sales figures. Lambretta gradually disappeared from the Taiwanese market, while the Italian parent company Innocenti also lost ground worldwide in the 1960s and early 1970s. As is well known, production in Italy finally ended completely in 1972.
Source: Information and pictures about Yue Long can be found here
Jacob GranTurismo: A new star in the Scooter Center Store
The next chapter in the Taiwanese Lambretta story is now being written by Jacob GranTurismo, a new manufacturer exclusively represented at Scooter Center. Under the direction of Chieh Tseng, a member of the Casa Lambretta family, Jacob GranTurismo produces high-quality reproductions of the coveted Biemme Mushroom Grips and, later in the year, the GranTurismo Grips. These grips, which were originally developed for Lambretta and other two-wheelers such as Vespa, are true to detail and over 95% identical to the originals.
The Biemme Mushroom Grips
The Biemme Mushroom Grips are available in the colors red, blue and black and in the sizes 24 mm and 27 mm. They have been reproduced with great care and offer not only authentic design, but also excellent grip and comfort. These grips are ideal for Lambretta connoisseurs who value quality and style.
Exclusive offer in the Scooter Center
Scooter Center is proud to be the exclusive distributor of these high quality grips for Europe.
Discover the Jacob GranTurismo grips in the Scooter Center Store
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