The Vintage Motorcycles
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
The 1958 Lambretta TV 175 Series 1 was the performance-oriented flagship of Innocenti's early Series 1 scooter range. Introduced in 1957, the TV 175 was developed to give Lambretta a more powerful and sporting machine capable of competing with the increasingly popular high-performance scooters of the period.
The TV 175 Series 1 used a 170cc air-cooled two-stroke single-cylinder engine with a 60 mm bore and 60 mm stroke. The square engine design produced approximately 8.6 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and gave the scooter a claimed maximum speed of about 103 km/h, or 64 mph.
The Series 1 TV 175 was an important technical step for Lambretta. It was the first Lambretta model to use an enclosed chain final drive rather than the shaft-drive arrangement associated with earlier models. The Series 1 also introduced the alloy-cast handlebar and headset design that became a defining feature of subsequent Lambretta scooters.
The 175 TV retained the practical enclosed bodywork of the Lambretta scooter while adding a larger engine, four-speed hand-controlled transmission, 10-inch wheels, and performance-oriented mechanical components.
For 1958, the TV 175 was available in Ivory and retained the distinctive appearance of the Series 1. The model underwent several detail revisions during production, making early and later examples identifiable through differences in the horn grille, crankshaft bearing, stand mudguard, and brake and clutch control arrangements.
The 1958 Lambretta TV 175 Series 1 is now highly regarded among collectors because it combines the elegant styling of the first Series 1 Lambretta with the largest engine offered in the range.
The Lambretta TV 175 was introduced as Innocenti's high-performance scooter at a time when the Italian scooter market was becoming increasingly competitive.
The model was officially launched in Milan in April 1957. It was conceived as a more powerful sporting alternative to the smaller Lambretta models and as a direct response to the success of high-performance Vespa models such as the 150 GS.
The TV 175 used the new Series 1 chassis and bodywork while incorporating a substantially larger engine. Although commonly referred to as a 175cc model, the actual displacement was approximately 170cc because the engine used a 60 mm bore and 60 mm stroke.
The TV 175 Series 1 was produced from 1957 into 1958, with the TV 175 frame-number sequence continuing from 001001 in 1957 to 011088 in 1958 according to Lambretta's model identification information.
The overall Series 1 range continued into 1959, but the TV 175 itself finished production in 1958. Contemporary model records identify approximately 18,858 TV 175 Series 1 scooters.
The 1958 examples are especially interesting because several mechanical and cosmetic details changed during the year. These changes allow knowledgeable collectors to distinguish the different production versions.
The first version continued into April 1958. From May 1958 the second version introduced a removable horn grille, a roller bearing on the flywheel side of the crankshaft, and a mudguard associated with the center stand. A later version introduced further changes to the brake and clutch control arrangements.
The 1958 Lambretta TV 175 Series 1 is powered by a 170cc air-cooled two-stroke single-cylinder engine.
The engine has a 60 mm bore and 60 mm stroke, producing a square configuration that was well suited to the TV 175's sporting character.
The engine uses piston-port induction and a Dell'Orto MA 23 BS5 carburetor. The carburetor specification is one of the useful technical details for identifying an authentic TV 175 engine.
Factory specifications list approximately 8.6 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. This gave the TV 175 a claimed maximum speed of approximately 103 km/h, or 64 mph.
The engine was designed for a 6 percent petrol-oil mixture, reflecting the lubrication requirements of the period two-stroke powerplant.
Ignition timing was specified at approximately 26 to 28 degrees before top dead center. The correct setting is important when restoring a TV 175 because ignition timing has a direct effect on starting, performance, and engine temperature.
The air-cooled single-cylinder engine was integrated into the rear of the scooter, with the enclosed bodywork protecting the mechanical components while maintaining the clean appearance that became a defining characteristic of Lambretta design.
The TV 175's relatively high specific output for a 1950s scooter gave it a noticeably more sporting character than the smaller Lambretta models.
The TV 175 Series 1 uses a four-speed constant-mesh gearbox operated by a hand-controlled gear selector integrated into the handlebar.
The four-speed transmission allowed the rider to make effective use of the 170cc two-stroke engine's power across a broad range of road speeds.
One of the most important technical changes introduced with the Series 1 was the move to chain final drive. The TV 175 therefore uses an enclosed chain system rather than the shaft-drive arrangement used on earlier Lambretta models.
The chain drive was contained within the engine and transmission assembly, protecting it from road dirt while providing an efficient means of transferring power to the rear wheel.
The combination of four-speed gearing and chain final drive became a fundamental part of the mechanical architecture used on subsequent Lambretta models.
The hand-controlled transmission also contributed to the characteristic riding experience of the Lambretta. Gear selection was performed through the left-side handlebar control while the rider operated the clutch through the corresponding lever.
The TV 175 Series 1 uses the new Series 1 steel frame and enclosed body construction developed by Innocenti for the late-1950s Lambretta range.
The frame integrates the engine, fuel tank, floorboard tunnel, leg shield, side panels, and suspension mounting points into a compact scooter structure.
The engine is mounted at the rear of the frame and contributes to the distinctive low and compact mechanical layout of the Lambretta.
The front suspension uses a coil-spring and damper arrangement designed specifically for the scooter chassis.
The rear suspension incorporates spring and damper units positioned around the engine and rear wheel assembly.
The 10-inch wheels were an important feature of the Series 1 design. Compared with earlier Lambretta models using smaller wheels, the larger diameter provided improved road stability while maintaining the compact proportions of the scooter.
The Series 1 frame and suspension were designed to provide a balance between lightweight handling, rider comfort, and the increased performance of the TV 175 engine.
The 1958 Lambretta TV 175 Series 1 uses 10-inch wheels with 3.50 x 10 tires.
The wheels were styled specifically for the Series 1 Lambretta and incorporated painted and chromed areas depending on the production version.
The braking system uses aluminum-finned drum brakes. Both the front and rear wheels are equipped with expanding drum brakes operated mechanically by the rider.
The relatively large 10-inch wheels and aluminum-finned brake drums were well suited to the TV 175's increased performance compared with the smaller-engine Lambretta models.
The braking system should be inspected carefully on any surviving example because original brake shoes, drums, cables, control components, and wheel assemblies are important to both safety and authenticity.
Later 1958 production incorporated changes to the brake and clutch control arrangement. These details can help determine the production version of an individual scooter.
The TV 175 Series 1 is one of the most recognizable early Lambretta scooters because it combines the new Series 1 body design with the largest engine in the range.
The bodywork is fully enclosed, with a broad leg shield at the front, a central floorboard tunnel, removable side panels, and a compact rear engine compartment.
The Series 1 introduced an alloy-cast handlebar and headset assembly, replacing the more motorcycle-like handlebar arrangement used on earlier Lambretta designs.
The TV 175 was finished in Ivory for the Series 1 production, giving the scooter a distinctive monochrome appearance. The body-color finish extended across the frame, leg shield, fuel tank, mudguards, headset, side panels, fork components, and other painted parts.
The wheel rims incorporated painted and chromed sections, while the crankcase remained exposed aluminum.
The saddle was finished in black imitation leather and carried Innocenti branding on the rear portion.
The combination of elegant Italian bodywork, large 10-inch wheels, and the prominent 175-class engine made the TV 175 visually and mechanically distinct from the smaller Li models.
The 1958 TV 175 Series 1 underwent several running changes during production.
The first version continued through approximately April 1958. It can be identified by a headlamp cowl with an integrated fixed horn grille and a ball bearing on the flywheel side of the crankshaft.
The earliest 1,800 examples also retained functional adjusters for the brake and clutch controls. Later examples of the first version had these controls locked with a pin.
The second version was introduced from approximately May 1958. It featured a removable headlamp cowl with integrated horn grille, a roller bearing on the flywheel side of the crankshaft, a stand mudguard, and an additional locking washer on the rear wheel nut.
The final version introduced further changes to the brake and clutch controls, with the adjustment regulators eliminated. Additional rubber protection was also added to the rear brake cable.
These changes are particularly important when evaluating a restored 1958 TV 175 because many surviving scooters have been rebuilt using components from different production periods.
The 1958 Lambretta TV 175 Series 1 has a more sporting character than the smaller Lambretta Series 1 models.
The 170cc two-stroke engine produces approximately 8.6 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, giving the scooter enough performance to approach 103 km/h under favorable conditions.
The four-speed gearbox allows the rider to keep the engine operating within its useful power range and makes the TV 175 more versatile on open roads than smaller scooters.
The 10-inch wheels contribute to stable handling, while the relatively low center of gravity and compact chassis make the scooter easy to maneuver at lower speeds.
The enclosed chain drive and engine layout also give the TV 175 a distinctive mechanical feel compared with earlier shaft-driven Lambrettas.
As with any scooter from the 1950s, braking performance, suspension response, lighting, and road holding should be considered in the context of period technology rather than modern motorcycle standards.
The TV 175 Series 1 occupies an important place in Lambretta history because it was the company's high-performance model during the introduction of the Series 1 platform.
The model was developed during a period when Innocenti and Piaggio were competing intensely for the growing European scooter market.
The success of the Vespa 150 GS demonstrated that there was demand for scooters offering greater performance, and the TV 175 provided Innocenti with a direct answer.
The TV 175 combined a larger two-stroke engine with the completely redesigned Series 1 chassis and bodywork.
The model also introduced mechanical principles that became fundamental to future Lambretta development, particularly the enclosed chain final drive and alloy-cast handlebar and headset assembly.
Approximately 18,858 TV 175 Series 1 scooters were produced, making it considerably rarer than some of the smaller Series 1 Lambretta models.
The TV 175 was produced into 1958, while the wider Series 1 range continued until 1959.
The 1958 Lambretta TV 175 Series 1 is highly desirable among vintage scooter collectors because it combines rarity, sporting performance, and historically important Series 1 engineering.
The model is especially valuable when major components remain consistent with the correct production period.
Important identification details include the 175TV frame and engine prefixes, the frame-number sequence, Dell'Orto MA 23 BS5 carburetor, 60 x 60 mm engine dimensions, 10-inch wheels, and the characteristic Series 1 bodywork.
The different 1958 production versions also provide useful authentication clues. The horn grille, flywheel-side crankshaft bearing, stand mudguard, and brake and clutch control components should correspond to the claimed production period.
The original Ivory finish is another important detail. The factory color specification identifies Ivory 8028, with body-color treatment extending across much of the scooter and black anti-rumble treatment beneath selected components before the final body-color finish.
Original accessories, period documentation, registration records, factory literature, and photographs can significantly strengthen the provenance of a surviving TV 175.
Authenticating a 1958 Lambretta TV 175 Series 1 requires checking the frame, engine, bodywork, mechanical components, and production-specific details together.
The TV 175 frame-number sequence for 1958 runs from approximately 002127 through 011088, while the model uses the 175TV prefix for both frame and engine identification.
The engine should correspond to the 170cc two-stroke specification with a 60 mm bore, 60 mm stroke, Dell'Orto MA 23 BS5 carburetor, and four-speed transmission.
The Series 1 chain final drive is another important identifying feature.
Early and later 1958 components should not be mixed without documentation. The first version used a fixed horn grille and flywheel-side ball bearing, while the second version introduced the removable horn grille and roller bearing.
The later production changes to the brake and clutch control regulators and rear brake cable protection provide additional clues when determining whether a scooter has been restored with the correct period components.
Because TV 175 Series 1 scooters are now frequently restored using reproduction parts, the overall consistency of the machine is often more informative than any single component.
The 1958 Lambretta TV 175 Series 1 matters because it was one of the most important performance scooters of the first-generation post-war Lambretta era.
Its 170cc square two-stroke engine delivered approximately 8.6 horsepower and a claimed 103 km/h top speed, giving Lambretta a serious sporting model capable of challenging contemporary performance scooters.
The model also introduced engineering changes that shaped future Lambretta development. The enclosed chain final drive and alloy-cast handlebar and headset became defining features of the marque's subsequent scooters.
The Series 1 TV 175 is also historically important because its production life was relatively short and its total production was considerably lower than that of the smaller Series 1 models.
For collectors, the 1958 model is particularly interesting because running production changes provide a detailed record of Innocenti's engineering development during the year.
A correctly restored TV 175 Series 1 therefore represents more than an attractive vintage scooter. It is an important example of the period when Lambretta evolved from its earlier designs into the more sophisticated scooter architecture that would define the marque for the following decade.
This 1958 Lambretta TV 175 Series 1 represents one of the most desirable performance scooters from the first-generation Series 1 era.
The 170cc air-cooled two-stroke single-cylinder engine uses a 60 mm bore and 60 mm stroke and produces approximately 8.6 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, with a claimed top speed of approximately 103 km/h.
The four-speed hand-controlled transmission, enclosed chain final drive, 10-inch wheels, aluminum-finned drum brakes, and lightweight scooter chassis provide the distinctive mechanical character of the TV 175.
The Series 1 design is historically important because it introduced the enclosed chain drive and alloy-cast handlebar and headset architecture that became fundamental to later Lambretta models.
This 1958 model is also of particular interest because TV 175 production underwent several running changes during the year. The horn grille, flywheel-side crankshaft bearing, stand mudguard, and brake and clutch controls can help establish the precise production version of an individual scooter.
The Ivory factory finish, 175TV frame and engine identification, Dell'Orto MA 23 BS5 carburetor, 3.50 x 10 tires, and period-correct Series 1 bodywork are important features when evaluating originality.
Contact us for additional photographs, detailed specifications, frame and engine numbers, service history, originality assessment, provenance, restoration details, historical documentation, and purchasing information for this 1958 Lambretta TV 175 Series 1.
Explore more Lambretta motorcycles and scooters from the vintage and classic eras.
The Vintage Motorcycles presents a curated selection of historically significant Italian machines, where Lambretta represents a distinct chapter in the evolution of post-war European mobility. Emerging in the aftermath of World War II, Lambretta redefined urban transportation through compact engineering, monocoque construction, and highly efficient small-displacement engines designed for everyday usability.
Within the broader ecosystem of global vintage motorcycle manufacturers, Lambretta occupies a unique position, bridging the gap between traditional motorcycle design and the rise of modern scooter-based mobility. Its development is best understood in contrast to earlier pre-war motorcycle engineering (1900-1939), where larger displacement machines dominated, before giving way to the practical and accessible solutions that defined the post-war period.
This transition becomes particularly evident when examined alongside post-war motorcycle development, where manufacturers across Italy adapted to new economic realities by producing lightweight, efficient vehicles. Lambretta, alongside a handful of other Italian innovators, played a central role in this transformation, creating machines that prioritized accessibility without abandoning engineering integrity.
Each Lambretta within our collection is selected based on provenance, originality, and mechanical correctness, ensuring alignment with museum-grade preservation standards. Available acquisition opportunities can be explored through our global vintage motorcycle inventory, with all motorcycles supported by a fully insured international shipping service.
Lambretta's development is closely tied to Italy's post-war industrial recovery, where engineering priorities shifted toward efficiency, affordability, and mass accessibility. Unlike traditional motorcycles designed for long-distance touring or competition, Lambretta scooters were engineered as practical transport solutions for dense urban environments, featuring enclosed drivetrains, step-through frames, and compact engine layouts.
This shift reflects a broader transformation in European mobility following the Second World War, a period further explored through WW2 military motorcycle development, where industrial capacity and mechanical innovation were redirected toward civilian applications. In this context, Lambretta stands as a defining example of how wartime engineering knowledge was adapted into everyday transportation systems.
Additionally, Lambretta's influence extended beyond solo riding configurations, with certain adaptations and regional uses intersecting with broader utility concepts such as sidecar-equipped motorcycles, highlighting the versatility of European vehicle design during the mid-20th century.
Italian engineering, as represented by Lambretta, is characterized by a synthesis of functionality and design clarity. Rather than focusing solely on performance metrics, Lambretta emphasized usability, structural efficiency, and visual simplicity, resulting in machines that became cultural icons as much as mechanical products.
From early Model A and B scooters to later Li and TV series, Lambretta developed a diverse range of machines that reflected both technological refinement and evolving urban lifestyles. These models collectively illustrate a different trajectory in motorcycle history, one centered on accessibility and industrial design rather than speed or displacement.
Today, Lambretta remains a critical reference point in the study of post-war mobility, representing a shift in engineering priorities that continues to influence modern two-wheel transportation. For collectors, these machines offer not only historical significance but also insight into a transformative era where motorcycles became an integral part of everyday life.
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