Engineering:Lambretta Model A
| Manufacturer | Lambretta |
|---|---|
| Production | 1947-1948 |
| Predecessor | None |
| Successor | Lambretta Model B |
| Class | Scooter |
| Engine | 123 cc, two-stroke, single cylinder |
| Bore / stroke | 52mm x 58mm |
| Top speed | 44 mph (71 km/h) |
| Power | 4.3 hp (3 kW; 4 PS) |
| Transmission | 3-speed, Foot Operated |
| Suspension | None (rear), two bushings (front) |
| Brakes | Drum brakes |
| Tyres | 3.50*7 |
| Dimensions | L: 1620mm W: 650mm H: 880mm |
| Weight | 60kg (dry) |
| Fuel consumption | 110 mpg‑imp (2.6 L/100 km; 92 mpg‑US) |
The Lambretta Model A is the first production model of Lambretta scooters. It was Ferdinando Innocenti's idea of a cheap type of transport for Italy in the mid-late 1940s.[3]
Overview
The Lambretta Model A was the first production scooter from Ferdinando Innocenti's Lambretta. It was designed because Ferdinando Innocenti realised the importance of cheap transport to rebuild Post-War Italy.[4] The bike's design was radical for its time but was also easy to operate.[3] The bike was produced from October 1947-October 1948 and sold 9,669 units.[3]
Design
The tubular frame was made of 2 sections; the front end was made of pressed steel connected to the steering and front forks.[3] It came with a tool box, gear indicator, foot pedal gears and an oil measuring jug integrated into the petrol tank cap.[3] The 123cc engine was shaft driven and direct air cooled.[3] The Model A also came with a 3-Speed Gear Box, the front forks consisted of 2 bushes only and there was no rear suspension.[3] It came with drum brakes and 7 inch chrome wheel rims.[3]
Sales and Production
The Lambretta Model A sold badly in the first 2 months only moving 47 units but production picked up and in the last 5 months they were producing over 1,000 units a month.[3]
| Month and Year | Production |
|---|---|
| October 1947 | 22 |
| November 1947 | 25 |
| December 1947 | 105 |
| January 1948 | 143 |
| February 1948 | 342 |
| March 1948 | 658 |
| April 1948 | 758 |
| May 1948 | 890 |
| June 1948 | 1198 |
| July 1948 | 1205 |
| August 1948 | 1100 |
| September 1948 | 1750 |
| October 1948 | 1473 |
| Total | 9,669 |
References
- ↑ "Lambretta Model A", Lambretta Club of Great Britain. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ↑ "Lambretta A 125", Lambretta Motorcycles. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 "Lambretta Model A". http://www.ilambretta.co.uk/lambrettascooters/modela.html. Retrieved 2015-11-11.
- ↑ "The Florentine - article » Ferdinando Innocenti". http://www.theflorentine.net/articles/article-view.asp?issuetocId=5958. Retrieved 2015-11-11.
External links
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