LI150 SPECIAL - 150cc

The Lambretta LI150 Special was introduced in 1963 as a sportier and more refined alternative to the standard LI150. It combined the slim Series III styling with a tuned 150cc engine, revised gearbox ratios and distinctive Special details.

This 1964 example is offered AS IS, giving the buyer the opportunity to preserve, develop or restore the scooter according to their own requirements.

The Dawn of the Pacemaker: Lambretta LI150 Special (1963 to 1966)

Unveiled in September 1963, the Lambretta LI150 Special (commonly referred to as the LiS 150) represented Innocenti's strategy to introduce a higher-tier sporting machine positioned directly between the workhorse LI series and the flagship TV gran turismo models. Designed to capture the enthusiasm of a growing European youth market and the British Mod rally scene, the 150 Special delivered elevated performance, sharper acceleration, and upscale aesthetics.

Beyond its aesthetic updates, the 150 Special holds a revered position in Innocenti history for introducing the famous close-ratio "Pacemaker" gearbox. Manufactured in Milan with a total production run of nearly 70,000 units through late 1966, an authentic second-year 1964 example remains one of the most desirable mid-capacity classic Lambrettas for restorers, mechanics, and vintage collectors.

Slimline Aesthetics and Special Model-Specific Features

The visual profile of the 1964 Lambretta LI150 Special merges Innocenti's Series III "Slimline" geometry with aggressive, angular styling cues borrowed from the TV range:

• Octagonal Headset Casting: A sharp, angular handlebar casting housing an octagonal headlight bezel and crisp speedo dial, replacing the rounded headset of the standard LI.
• Squared Front Mudguard and Tapered Horn casting: A lower, narrower front horn grille paired with a sleek, squared front mudguard for enhanced aerodynamic penetration.
• Double Finger-Flash Side Cowls: Sculpted, slimline side panels fitted with distinctive front and rear aluminum "finger flashes" that give the scooter a crouched, athletic stance.
• Version I Early Production Details: As an authentic 1964 model, it features early-series details including side panel anti-vibration buffers and classic "Special" script badging mounted on the leg shield.
• Tubular Steel Spaceframe: Innocenti's proven central-tube spaceframe architecture, providing exceptional structural rigidity, low center of gravity, and responsive cornering feedback.

Tuned 150cc Engine and the Famous Pacemaker Gearbox

Beneath its steel bodywork, the 1964 LI150 Special features a single-cylinder, air-cooled 148cc two-stroke engine mounted horizontally within the central chassis. Innocenti engineers revised the cylinder porting and raised the compression ratio from 7:1 to 7.5:1, boosting output to 8.25 horsepower at 5,300 RPM.

The engine breathes through a Dell'Orto SH/18 carburetor, pushing top speeds to 58 mph (93 km/h). The defining engineering highlight of the 150 Special, however, is its iconic close-ratio 4-speed transmission—widely celebrated in the scootering community as the "Pacemaker" gearbox. With tighter ratio steps between 3rd and 4th gear, the Pacemaker transmission keeps the engine squarely in its powerband, eliminating top-gear power lag during hill climbs and high-speed cruising. Power transfers to the 10-inch rear wheel via a duplex chain running in an oil bath, supported by trailing-link front suspension and a hydraulic rear shock.

An Authentic "AS IS" Canvas for the Discerning Restorer

Finding an authentic 1964 Lambretta LI150 Special in unmolested "AS IS" condition offers mechanics, master restorers, and vintage Lambretta purists several key advantages:

• Original Structural Integrity: Preserves original Innocenti frame pressings, factory welds, and panel seams free from hidden body filler or low-quality modern repairs.
• Preservation of Rare Special Components: Guarantees the retention of genuine, hard-to-find parts, including the octagonal headset casting, original Pacemaker gear cluster, matching 150 Special engine casings, and metal body trim.
• Complete Build Freedom: Serves as an ideal blank canvas whether the goal is an exact factory-correct Metallic Silver or Metallic Gold concours restoration, an authentic Mod-style rally machine, or a modern high-performance tuned build.

Investment Potential and Historic Collector Appeal

For classic Italian vehicle collectors, the 1964 production year represents a sweet spot in Innocenti's mid-1960s lineup. Coming squarely in the second production year of the LI150 Special, this edition benefits from settled factory assembly standards while retaining the unadulterated aesthetic charm of early Series III manufacturing.

Investing in a 1964 LI150 Special project represents a sound commitment to Italian motoring history. Whether returned to factory-fresh original presentation or developed into a period-correct rally machine, a completed Pacemaker Special stands as a highly desirable centerpiece in any serious vintage vehicle collection.

Conclusion: An Historic Italian Sport Icon Ready for Revival

The 1964 Lambretta LI150 Special remains an enduring symbol of 1960s speed, industrial design, and engineering ingenuity. Offered in "AS IS" condition, this machine provides a rare, highly authentic foundation for an enthusiast ready to preserve, restore, or develop a true milestone of classic Italian scooter history.