LI125 SPECIAL - 125cc

The Lambretta LI125 Special combined the elegant styling of the TV family with the practical 125cc LI engine. Introduced in 1965, the Special featured increased performance over the standard LI and became one of the most distinctive small-capacity Lambrettas of the period.

This 1966 example is offered AS IS, making it suitable for a buyer looking for an original Italian Lambretta project or a machine to develop according to their own restoration requirements.

The Small-Capacity Sportster: Lambretta LI125 Special (1965 to 1969)

Introduced in October 1965 following the immense success of the 150 Special, the Lambretta LI125 Special (commonly known as the Special 125 or LiS 125, frame prefix 125LIS) was created to offer riders the elevated styling and crisp acceleration of Innocenti's high-tier models in a licensing-friendly 125cc package. Positioned alongside the 150 Special and TV Series III models, the 125 Special bridged the gap between everyday urban transport and high-style Italian sports motoring.

Manufactured in Milan through January 1969 with just under 30,000 units produced, the LI125 Special remains one of the more exclusive small-capacity Series III variants. As a second-year 1966 example, this scooter represents the model at the height of its production lifespan, serving as a highly prized canvas for restoration specialists, mechanics, and classic Lambretta purists.

TV-Inspired Slimline Styling and Special Details

The visual profile of the 1966 Lambretta LI125 Special integrates Innocenti's "Slimline" geometric proportions with sharp aesthetic highlights directly inspired by the flagship TV models:

• Octagonal Headset Casting: A sharp handlebar unit housing an octagonal headlight bezel and clear instrument display, setting it apart from the round headset of standard LI models.
• Squared Front Mudguard and Tapered Horn Nose: Aerodynamic body fittings including a lower-profile front horn grille and a squared front mudguard.
• Double Finger-Flash Side Cowls: Tapered side panels fitted with distinctive aluminum front and rear "finger flashes" that create a sporty, crouching silhouette.
• Metallic Paint Finishes: Factory-offered in striking Metallic Blue (Blu Metallizzato) or Metallic White, giving the 125 Special an upscale visual appeal.
• Tubular Steel Spaceframe: Innocenti's signature central-tube chassis architecture, delivering exceptional structural rigidity, low center of gravity, and balanced road holding.

Enhanced 125cc Engine Engineering and Performance Specifications

Beneath its steel sheet metal, the 1966 LI125 Special features an air-cooled, single-cylinder two-stroke 123cc engine mounted horizontally within the central chassis. Innocenti engineers redesigned the cylinder barrel porting, revised piston geometry, and raised compression to 8:1, boosting output to 7.12 horsepower at 5,600 RPM.

Fuel induction is handled by a Dell'Orto SH1/20 carburetor, allowing the 125 Special to achieve a brisk top speed of 50 to 53 mph (80–85 km/h)—a noticeable performance jump over the standard LI125. Power transfers through a 4-speed manual gearbox controlled via the left handlebar twist grip, driving the rear 10-inch wheel via a heavy-duty duplex chain operating in an oil bath. The chassis rides on front trailing arms with internal coil springs and a rear hydraulic shock absorber, backed by aluminum finned drum brakes.

An Authentic "AS IS" Canvas for the Discerning Restorer

Acquiring an authentic 1966 Lambretta LI125 Special in untouched "AS IS" condition offers mechanics, master restorers, and collectors 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 components, including the octagonal headset casting, original metal glovebox, matching 125LIS engine casings, and metal body trim.
• Complete Build Freedom: Serves as an ideal blank canvas whether the goal is an exact factory-correct concours restoration, an authentic Mod rally machine, or a modern high-performance tuned project.

Investment Potential and Historic Collector Appeal

For classic Italian vehicle collectors, the 1966 model year holds significant appeal. Sitting squarely in the mid-series production run of the LI125 Special, this edition benefits from settled factory assembly standards while preserving pure 1960s aesthetic charm before late-series manufacturing revisions.

Investing in a 1966 LI125 Special project represents a sound commitment to Italian industrial history. Whether meticulously returned to showroom presentation in its original metallic livery or preserved as a characterful survivor, a completed 125 Special stands as a highly desirable centerpiece in any classic vehicle collection.

Conclusion: A Rare Small-Capacity Sportster Ready for Revival

The 1966 Lambretta LI125 Special remains an enduring symbol of mid-1960s speed, style, and engineering creativity. 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.