As part of the ‘Milan Design Week’ currently taking place in Italy’s capital, and to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the marque, Lambretta decided to showcase two all-new models in an extremely chic location with a top drawer, invite-only event.

The current V-range

Before we look at what was presented, let’s consider what is currently available. The current Lambretta range consists solely of the V-Special model, available in 50, 125 and 200 versions, launched way back in 2017, showcased during the Euro Lambretta event at the Adria race circuit. Despite having the full backing of the Innocenti family, since then, these models have seen minimal to moderate success, depending on what market you look at. In Europe, they are not a common sight and sales have probably not been what the manufacturer had hoped for. In most Asian countries on the other hand, the new Lambretta has been accepted with open arms, with specially coloured models produced specifically for those markets.

Che nuova Lambretta?

Speaking from a personal point of view, the vast majority of the Italian public still has no idea whatsoever that a new Lambretta even exists, which sadly speaks volumes in itself. Sales have been slow due to a near-complete lack of advertising by the mainland European distributor ‘KSR’, who have several other brands under their collective wing to keep themselves occupied and seemingly, Lambretta for them is just another name in their sales portfolio. This is a shame as the V-Special is a good quality, competitively priced product.

The new Lambretta is NOT a retro-looking machine aimed at the traditional rally going scooterboy who has reached an age where a stiff clutch and kick-starting a scooter are simply off the cards. He’ll go out and buy a Royal Alloy, or similar. The new Lambretta is aimed at a more modern (younger?) public that wants urban cool with the added kudos of the Lambretta name. As the owner of a V200 Special, I can vouch for the fact that it certainly turns heads and attracts no end of attention when parked up. The only things missing I could want for, would be a bigger, more powerful motor and for the scooter to be physically a little larger to make riding with a pillion easier and more comfortable. Finally, it seems, my wait is over.
The presentation of the new ‘G350 Special’ and ‘G300X’ models took place at the Paolo VI Palazzo, situated in the heart of the famous Brera Design District of Milan, and believe me when I say it doesn’t get any classier than that. The event was organised by the owner of the Lambretta marque, affable Dutchman Walter Scheffrahn, working in close collaboration with Vittorio Tessera of Casa Lambretta fame. Lambretta, obviously, has an incredible heritage, thus providing the organisers with no end of material to utilise for the event and Vittorio provided a lot of scooters from his scooter museum to be displayed on the night.

The idea of the Lambretta story continuing, whilst acknowledging the past, was the main theme for the ‘Infinity – Heritage to the Future’ name bestowed upon the presentation. A massive, swirling chromed figure of ‘8’ was used as the platform for the scooters on display, representing the ‘Infinity’ theme first used by English mathematician John Wallis in the 17th century. The mainstay of the scooters on display were early, open-frame Lambretta models, along with a customised Series 1, an LD150, a Lui75 and a Casa Performance ‘Luca Zani Race Replica’ SS225.

the-big
Various examples of the two new scooters were covered up, awaiting their turn to be unveiled. Most of the bods present were industry types, as could be expected, along with journos and main dealers. The Lambretta PR representative, Nicola Poggio, opened the proceedings on stage with a detailed explanation of what Lambretta are aiming for in the future. He, in turn, then introduced Vittorio, who also gave a speech, explaining some of Lambretta’s rich history and the significance of the machines on display.

Lambretta G350 Special: 26bhp – 330cc

He was then given the job of unveiling the G350 Special, ably assisted by several of the children attending the event, who had been called up on stage. The immediate similarity of the scooter to the current V-Special models was obvious, having been conceived in a collaboration between Walter and his designer, Peter Beslin. In my opinion, this scooter is exactly what is needed in the current Lambretta range, being larger and more powerful. Originally conceived as a pre-Covid prototype of the same, the ‘G325’ that was initially shown at the 2019 Eicma exhibition, the engine has now been enlarged to 350 (real capacity 330cc) with 26bhp on tap, thus making it the most powerful production scooter in its class.

The engine is a liquid-cooled, 4-valve single-cylinder, with linked ABS system hydraulic 240mm discs front and rear sat inside 12” wheels. The frame is monocoque pressed steel with removable sidepanels, a decent-sized 9.5-litre tank (the current V-Special models have a minute 5-litre tank) and LED lights are fitted as standard. The expected retail price will be €7200, which equates to about £6150 in real money. One aspect that struck me when I had a chance to have a really good look later that evening, was the quality of everything used. Make no mistake, this is no ‘parts bin throw together’; every single detail has been refined to the highest standard with no corners cut whatsoever. Anyone buying a G350 Special is going to get a lot of scooter for their dollar.

Lambretta X300 Special

Next up was the turn of the X300 Special to be unveiled. A few pics had mysteriously leaked out onto the interweb prior to the presentation, so several people already had an idea just what was lurking underneath the covers. I‘ll admit that I’d already seen the scooter during a visit to Vittorio’s shop a few weeks ago and the first thing that struck me was the enormous, vertically ribbed rear light, not dissimilar to that of an American muscle car. At the time, compared to the G350 Special parked alongside it in the same room, it seemed much more aggressive in appearance. Upon passing comment on this, Vittorio confirmed that this was exactly Lambrettas intention.

The unveiling of the G300X on the stage was carried out by Walter, again added and abetted by numerous delighted kids. Once the applause had died down, Nicolo went on to explain the tech spec to those present and confirmed that this model was aimed fairly and squarely at a younger clientele. A lot of emphasis was made regarding the design of the lights, the angular sidepanel design and the classic Lambretta type front fork. The engine is again liquid-cooled, 4-valve single-cylinder, fed through a Bosch electronic injection system, emitting 25bhp with a real capacity of 275cc. Contrasting to the G350, the frame of the G300X also utilises steel tubing. Another classy touch is the keyless ignition setup. The expected RRP will be €5900 (£5050).

Geared SX200?

The original concept of such a scooter was down to Walter but the definition of his idea, the final design, prototyping and production have all been accomplished by Lambretta’s agent in Thailand. Nothing unusual about that you might think, but that show is run by a 36-year-old, he is now the 3rd biggest motorcycle manufacturer in his country. With humble beginnings fixing and selling mopeds, he then went on to import the KSR range, and his empire grew from there. With new Lambrettas included within that range, his interest and enthusiasm for the marque helped him sell thousands of them nationally. He is good friends with Toon, the owner of Lambretta Thailand Café, and that friendship means he has more than just an economic interest in the marque, or the new models alone. After speaking with him, he let on that he intends to open 50 Lambretta stores in Thailand. He is the main person behind the production of the G300X and believe me when I say he has more than a few ideas up his well-tailored sleeve. If there is anyone who is capable of producing a new, 4-stroke, geared SX200, then it is him.

Walter and Vittorio arrived at the presentation in typical Italian style

Both the G350 Special and G300X Lambrettas are due to enter mass production at the end of 2022, but if you can’t wait until then, then the whole presentation is still on display in Milan until June 12th.

Dean Orton
Photos: Dean Orton / Mihaela Dicianu

There are plenty more images in the gallery below…