1968 Lambretta LUI 75 S (L106)
Bertone Design and Advanced Engineering In a Space Age Scooter. Custom restoration of rare and special design icon, the Lambretta LUI 75 S. We found this example in a private collection in Italy in the province of La Spezia. Repainted in a unique silver and blue two-tone scheme this futuristic scooter shows well. Paint finish is in excellent shape, bike does show some patina. The odometer shows 9,482 Km (5,891 miles) believed correct, but TMU. The running gear has been inspected and checked out and the LUI is in running condition.
The LUI 75 was produced for export markets primarily as Italy had many requirements for vehicles over 50cc. Performance of the 75cc engine is outstanding with a top speed over 50 mph. Upgrades over the LUI 50 included a dual saddle, raised exhaust system, brighter lights and a speedometer.
Sporty performance from the 75cc engine running thru a 3-speed manual transmission. Top speed is around 50 mph and brakes and handling are more than up to the performance asked of them.
1969 Lambretta LUI 75 S
#L106
Offered At $7,995
Price (before tax): $7,995
Make: Lambretta
Year: 1968
Displacement: 75cc
Inventory number: L106
License needed: Yes
HISTORY OF THE LUI 75
A few months after the Lui 50 was presented to the world, Innocenti launched a new version of the scooter with a larger 75cc engine on the international market. This higher-powered model was aimed towards a clientele that wanted an economic scooter with high performance even when carrying a passenger.
The new model debuted with a lot of fanfare at the 15th Motor Show in Tokyo, where Innocenti was the sole foreign company. Two versions of the Lui 75 were prepared for the occasion that were painted white with a multi-colored floral pattern. After a period in which it was only available on the international market, the Lui 75 was offered in Italy in two different versions, the 75 S and the 75 SL.
The bodywork, the wheels, and the brakes were the same as the smaller model, but the electrical system was more powerful with the introduction of a high beam for the headlamp, a rear stop light, and all around larger lights. Other changes were the longer, two-passenger seat, a raised racing-shaped muffler, and a replaceable paper air filter.
With the increased displacement, the motor was made much more powerful. Its 5.2 horsepower and the new four-speed gearbox made acceleration quicker and hill climbing a cinch.
One of the differences between the SL and the S is the addition if an automatic oil pump to the SL, which kept the motor lubricated. The oil was contained in a separate compartment and was injected by a geared pump towards the piston and the moving parts of the engine. The amount of oil was automatically determined by the rpms of the motor. This was the first time that this mechanism was used on an Italian scooter and was called, "Lubematic."
For both versions, only two colors were available: orange and metallic gray. The only visual difference between the two scooters was the writing on the front legshield and the "Lubematic" written on the side of the gas tank. The 75 SL became the Cometa for foreign markets. Innocenti offered options of a rear rack and turn signals attached to the front headlamp.
The avant garde style was regrettably ahead of its time and sales were a disappointment.
With just a few more than 9,000 units produced, the Lui 75 was a commercial flop, especially considering the huge ad campaign by Innocenti to put the scooter on the international market. Even so, the Lui will go down in Italian scootering history as one of the most important examples of artistic expression on a mass-produced vehicle at a low price.
LUI 75 SPECIFICATIONS
Years: 1968 - 1969
Amount produced: 9,402
Engine: 1 cylinder, air cooled 2-stroke
Induction: piston ported
Bore: 46.4 mm
Stroke: 44 mm
Cubic capacity: 74.4 cc
Compression ratio: 9.3:1
BHP at rpm: 5.2 @ 6300
Transmission: 3 speed constant mesh
Contacts
Lubrication: 2%
Carburetor: Dellorto SH 120
Ignition: contact breaker & points
Ignition timing: 213 degrees BTDC
Breaker gap: 0.35-0.45 mm
Voltage: 6 volt
Wheel size: 10"
Tire size: 3 x 10
Max speed: 51 mph
Total dry weight: 168 lbs