Lambretta Model A
{{Short description|Late-1940s model of Italian motorcycle}}
{{Infobox Motorcycle
|name = Lambretta Model A[http://www.ilambretta.com/lambrettascooters/modela.html "Lambretta Model A"], Lambretta Club of Great Britain. Retrieved 29 July 2013.[https://archive.today/20130729081053/http://www.lambrettamotorcycles.com/lambretta_a_125.html "Lambretta A 125"], Lambretta Motorcycles. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
|image =
|caption =
|aka =
|manufacturer = Lambretta
|production = 1947-1948
|assembly =
|predecessor = None
|successor = Lambretta Model B
|class = Scooter
|engine = 123 cc, two-stroke, single cylinder
|bore_stroke =52mm x 58mm
|compression =
|top_speed = {{convert|44|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}
|power = {{convert|4.3|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}
|torque =
|ignition =
|transmission = 3-speed, Foot Operated
|frame =
|suspension = None (rear), two bushings (front)
|brakes = Drum brakes
|tires =3.50*7
|rake_trail =
|wheelbase =
|length = 1620mm
|width = 650mm
|height = 880mm
|seat_height =
|dry_weight = 60kg
|wet_weight =
|fuel_capacity =
|oil_capacity =
|fuel_consumption = {{convert|110|mpgimp|abbr=on}}
|turning_radius =
|related =
|sp = uk
}}
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.
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.{{Cite web|title = The Florentine - article » Ferdinando Innocenti|url = http://www.theflorentine.net/articles/article-view.asp?issuetocId=5958|website = www.theflorentine.net|accessdate = 2015-11-11}} The bike's design was radical for its time but was also easy to operate.{{Cite web|title = Lambretta Model A|url = http://www.ilambretta.co.uk/lambrettascooters/modela.html|website = www.ilambretta.co.uk|accessdate = 2015-11-11}} The bike was produced from October 1947-October 1948 and sold 9,669 units.
Design
The tubular frame was made of 2 sections; the front end was made of pressed steel connected to the steering and front forks. It came with a tool box, gear indicator, foot pedal gears and an oil measuring jug integrated into the petrol tank cap. The 123cc engine was shaft driven and direct air cooled. 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. It came with drum brakes and 7 inch chrome wheel rims.
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.
| class="wikitable"
!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
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Major Italian motorcycle manufacturers}}
Category:Motorcycles introduced in the 1940s