The Vintage Motorcycles
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Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
The 1964 Lambretta Li 150 Special was the sporting version of Innocenti's Series 3 Li range, positioned between the standard Li 150 and the more expensive TV 175. Introduced in September 1963, the Li 150 Special combined the slimmer Series 3 chassis with revised styling and a more highly tuned 148cc two-stroke engine.
The 1964 Li 150 Special used a 148cc air-cooled two-stroke single-cylinder engine with a 57mm bore and 58mm stroke. Its revised cylinder and cylinder head increased compression to 7.5:1 and raised output to approximately 8.25 horsepower at about 5,590 rpm, compared with roughly 6.6 horsepower for the standard Li 150.
The Special also received a revised four-speed gearbox with closer ratios, making better use of the increased engine output. This gearbox later became particularly popular with Lambretta performance enthusiasts because of its closer gearing.
Visually, the Li 150 Special borrowed several styling cues from the TV 175 Series 3, including the octagonal headset, revised front mudguard, slimmer horncasting, and distinctive side panels with front and rear finger flashes.
The 1964 model falls within the second production phase of the Li 150 Special. From the middle of 1964, the side-panel anti-vibration buffers changed from an all-rubber design to a system incorporating a small metal spring. This is an important detail when identifying an original 1964 example.
The Li 150 Special is now regarded as one of the most desirable Series 3 Lambrettas because it combines the practical character of the Li with a more sporting engine and styling derived from the TV range.
Innocenti introduced the Li 150 Special in September 1963 as a faster and more sporting alternative to the standard Li 150 while keeping the price below that of the TV 175 Series 3.
The new model used the Series 3 chassis and adopted revised bodywork influenced by the TV. The changes gave the Special a more purposeful appearance without requiring the considerably larger TV engine.
The engine remained a 150-class unit, but Innocenti modified the cylinder and cylinder head and increased the compression ratio to 7.5:1. These changes raised output to approximately 8.25 horsepower.
The gearbox was also revised with closer ratios. This allowed the rider to exploit the additional engine performance more effectively and gave the Special a sportier character than the standard Li 150.
Production of the Li 150 Special continued from September 1963 through October 1966. The 1964 production frame-number range runs from 207953 to 242975, with the 150LIS frame prefix and 150LI engine prefix used for the model.
The first production version continued until the middle of 1964. From the middle of 1964, the second version introduced the spring-mounted side-panel anti-vibration buffers.
The later Silver and Golden Special versions did not appear until 1965, so a genuine 1964 Li 150 Special should not be confused with those later factory color editions.
The 1964 Lambretta Li 150 Special is powered by a 148cc air-cooled two-stroke single-cylinder engine.
The engine has a 57mm bore and 58mm stroke, giving the motor a slightly undersquare configuration. The revised cylinder and aluminum cylinder head were developed specifically for the Special's higher-performance specification.
Compression ratio is approximately 7.5:1. Together with the revised top end and carburetion, this increased output to approximately 8.25 horsepower at 5,590 rpm.
The carburetor is a Dell'Orto SH 1/18. The standard maintenance specification calls for a 2 percent petrol-oil mixture and approximately 22 to 24 degrees of ignition advance.
The engine uses forced air cooling, with the cylinder and head enclosed by the characteristic Lambretta cooling shrouds. The crankcase is aluminum and the engine uses a multi-plate wet clutch.
The increased output gave the Li 150 Special a claimed maximum speed of approximately 85 to 90 km/h, depending on the specification and test conditions.
The engine's relatively modest capacity combined with the lightweight scooter chassis gives the Li 150 Special a lively character, particularly when the rider keeps the engine within its effective rev range.
The Li 150 Special uses a four-speed hand-controlled manual gearbox.
The transmission was specifically revised for the Special with closer ratios designed to take advantage of the increased engine output.
The closer-ratio gearbox became one of the most notable mechanical features of the Li 150 Special and later gained a strong reputation among Lambretta tuners and scooter racers.
The gearbox uses a multi-plate wet clutch operated through the left-hand twist-grip control.
Final drive is through an enclosed duplex chain. The chain runs within the engine and transmission casing, protecting the drive from road contamination and maintaining the clean mechanical layout characteristic of Lambretta scooters.
Contemporary and specialist references note that the early Special gearbox used a thinner third gear that could become vulnerable when subjected to substantially increased power. Later production received a thicker third gear with slightly revised ratios.
The 1964 Li 150 Special uses the Series 3 steel scooter frame with the enclosed body construction that characterized Lambretta's slim-style models.
The frame is built around the central floorboard tunnel and incorporates the engine, fuel tank, leg shields, side panels, suspension mounts, and rear wheel assembly into a compact structure.
The Special uses the sportier Series 3-derived bodywork rather than the simpler styling of the standard Li. The revised panels give the scooter a more aggressive appearance while retaining the practical enclosed layout.
The front suspension uses oscillating connecting rods with hydraulic damping. This leading-link arrangement was characteristic of Lambretta chassis engineering and provides a compact suspension system within the front bodywork.
The rear suspension is attached to the engine assembly and uses a springing and damping arrangement to control movement of the rear wheel.
The 10-inch wheels provide good stability for a lightweight scooter and were an important part of the Series 3 chassis design.
The 1964 Lambretta Li 150 Special uses 10-inch wheels fitted with 3.50 x 10 tires.
The wheels are removable pressed-steel assemblies, allowing convenient tire and inner-tube servicing.
Both front and rear wheels use aluminum-finned drum brakes. The brakes are mechanically operated and were designed around the performance and weight of the scooter.
The front brake is controlled from the handlebar while the rear brake is operated by a foot pedal.
The aluminum-finned drums provide additional cooling compared with a plain drum design and are a characteristic component of the period Lambretta braking system.
On a surviving example, the brake drums, shoes, control cables, wheel hubs, rims, and operating mechanisms should be checked for both safety and originality.
The Li 150 Special was deliberately styled to bridge the visual gap between the standard Li Series 3 and the sporting TV 175 Series 3.
The scooter uses an octagonal headset, a revised front mudguard, a slimmer and lower horncasting, and new side panels with front and rear finger flashes.
The side panels also carry Lambretta identification badges, reinforcing the model's position as a more sporting member of the Series 3 family.
The 1964 Special used the early Series 3-style chrome ring between the handlebar and leg shield. This feature was removed on later production versions beginning in 1965, making it useful when evaluating originality.
The bodywork was available in the period's approved Special color schemes. The 150 Special was associated with Metallic Grey 8060 and Light Metallic Gold 8063, while some markets and Lambretta concessionaires offered additional color combinations.
Internal bodywork components such as the fuel tank, rear mudguard, airbox, cylinder-head air intake components, and selected other parts were finished in New White according to the factory color specification.
The combination of slim Series 3 proportions, TV-inspired styling, and a more powerful 150-class engine gives the Li 150 Special a distinctive identity within the Lambretta range.
The 1964 Li 150 Special is particularly interesting because the model changed during the year.
The first version ran from September 1963 through approximately the middle of 1964. Its side-panel anti-vibration buffers were made entirely from rubber.
The second version began around the middle of 1964 and continued into 1965. The side-panel anti-vibration buffers were changed to a design secured with a small metal spring.
The later Silver and Golden Special identification details were not introduced until 1965. Therefore, a 1964 scooter should not normally carry the later factory Silver or Golden designation as original equipment.
The 1964 model also retained the earlier Series 3 headset arrangement, before the later production changes that eliminated the chrome ring between the headset and leg shield.
These small running changes are valuable to collectors because they can help determine whether an individual scooter has retained its original year-correct components.
The Li 150 Special has a more sporting riding character than the standard Li 150 without becoming as specialized as the TV 175.
The 148cc two-stroke engine produces approximately 8.25 horsepower, a significant increase over the standard Li 150 engine.
The closer-ratio four-speed gearbox allows the rider to keep the engine in its useful power range and makes the scooter particularly responsive during acceleration.
The lightweight chassis, 10-inch wheels, and low center of gravity give the Li 150 Special predictable handling and easy maneuverability in urban traffic.
The scooter is also capable of maintaining higher road speeds than the standard Li 150, making it suitable for longer-distance riding while retaining the practicality expected from a classic Lambretta.
The engine remains a traditional carbureted two-stroke, so starting, throttle response, and performance are strongly influenced by correct carburetor adjustment, ignition timing, and engine condition.
The Li 150 Special was an important model for Innocenti because it filled the gap between the mainstream Li 150 and the more expensive TV 175.
It offered customers a faster scooter without requiring them to purchase the larger and more expensive TV model.
The Special also demonstrated how Innocenti could obtain a meaningful performance increase from the existing 150cc engine architecture through relatively focused changes to the cylinder, cylinder head, compression ratio, and gearbox.
The model remained in production for several years and eventually developed into the Silver and Golden Special versions introduced in 1965.
The Li 150 Special production run extended from September 1963 to October 1966, with approximately 68,829 150 Specials produced according to specialist production records.
The model's engineering also had a lasting influence on the Lambretta performance scene. Its close-ratio gearbox and strong 150cc engine became popular foundations for modified and competition scooters.
The Li 150 Special therefore occupies an important position between the mainstream Series 3 Lambrettas and the more powerful performance models that followed.
The 1964 Lambretta Li 150 Special is highly desirable because it combines the attractive Series 3 styling with a relatively rare sporting specification.
Originality is especially important because the Special shares many components with other Series 3 Lambrettas, making it possible for restored scooters to acquire parts from standard Li, TV, SX, or later Special models.
The 150LIS frame prefix and 150LI engine prefix are important identification points. The 1964 frame-number sequence runs from 207953 to 242975.
The correct 148cc engine, 57 x 58mm bore and stroke, Dell'Orto SH 1/18 carburetor, revised cylinder and head, and close-ratio gearbox should be considered when assessing an original example.
The bodywork is equally important. The octagonal headset, Special side panels, revised horncasting, squared front mudguard, and Series 3 trim should be consistent with the claimed production period.
For a 1964 scooter, the side-panel anti-vibration buffer is particularly useful. Early examples use the all-rubber arrangement, while scooters from the middle of 1964 onward use the metal-spring type.
Factory documentation, registration records, original engine and frame numbers, period photographs, restoration invoices, and long-term ownership history can significantly strengthen the provenance of a surviving Li 150 Special.
Authenticating a 1964 Lambretta Li 150 Special requires checking the frame and engine identification together with the mechanical and cosmetic specification.
The correct frame prefix is 150LIS and the engine prefix is 150LI. The 1964 frame-number range is 207953 through 242975.
The engine should correspond to the 148cc two-stroke specification with a 57mm bore and 58mm stroke, 7.5:1 compression ratio, and Dell'Orto SH 1/18 carburetor.
The Special's revised gearbox is another important identification feature. A standard Li gearbox or a later gearbox may indicate that the scooter has been modified or restored with replacement components.
The bodywork should also be examined for the correct Special styling. The octagonal headset, revised front mudguard, slimmer horncasting, and distinctive side panels are among the most useful visual identifiers.
For a mid-1964 or later example, the metal-spring side-panel anti-vibration buffers should be present. Earlier 1964 scooters may correctly retain the all-rubber buffers.
The chrome ring between the headset and leg shield is also relevant to dating. Its elimination belongs to later production and should not normally be applied to an early 1964 scooter without a documented reason.
A convincing restoration should therefore show consistency across frame, engine, gearbox, bodywork, controls, suspension, wheels, trim, and paint rather than relying on a single identification mark.
The 1964 Lambretta Li 150 Special matters because it represents Innocenti's successful attempt to create a genuinely sporting scooter without moving all the way to the larger TV 175.
The 148cc engine produced approximately 8.25 horsepower, while the revised four-speed gearbox provided closer ratios that made the additional performance more useful on the road.
The model also brought TV-inspired styling to a more accessible and practical Lambretta platform. The octagonal headset, revised horncasting, squared front mudguard, and distinctive side panels remain among the most recognizable features of the Special.
The 1964 production year is particularly interesting because it falls across an important running change in the side-panel buffer system. This gives collectors useful evidence for determining whether a scooter is correctly assembled for its claimed production period.
The Li 150 Special also became an important foundation for Lambretta tuning. Its close-ratio gearbox and revised 150cc engine made it attractive to riders and competition enthusiasts looking for additional performance.
As a result, the 1964 Li 150 Special is valued not simply as a stylish Italian scooter but as an important step in the development of the sporting Lambretta.
This 1964 Lambretta Li 150 Special represents one of Innocenti's most successful sporting Series 3 scooters, combining the practical Li platform with performance and styling influenced by the TV 175.
The 148cc air-cooled two-stroke single-cylinder engine uses a 57mm bore and 58mm stroke, a 7.5:1 compression ratio, and a Dell'Orto SH 1/18 carburetor. Output is approximately 8.25 horsepower at 5,590 rpm.
The revised four-speed close-ratio gearbox makes particularly effective use of the increased engine performance and has become one of the most desirable mechanical features of the Li 150 Special among Lambretta enthusiasts.
The Series 3 chassis is complemented by an octagonal headset, revised front mudguard, slimmer horncasting, and distinctive Special side panels with front and rear finger flashes.
This 1964 model is especially interesting because the production year includes an important running change. From approximately the middle of 1964, the side-panel anti-vibration buffers changed from an all-rubber design to a type secured with a small metal spring.
The 150LIS frame prefix, 150LI engine prefix, 1964 frame-number range of 207953 to 242975, correct 148cc engine, close-ratio gearbox, period bodywork, and year-correct trim should all be considered when evaluating authenticity.
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 1964 Lambretta Li 150 Special.
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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