SERIES I & II
T.V. Series1
T.V. Series 1
An audience in Milan first saw the new 'slimstyle' series on the 10th of April 1957. Introduced to combat the Vespa G.S. in both terms of style and performance, the T.V. was a huge leap in styling and engineering to its predecessors. For a start it was both bigger while being sleeker, and had a completely new design in engine. The power unit was now 175cc (bigger than the Vespa G.S. which was 150cc) and a claimed horsepower of of 8.6 or 9.0 (depending on who quoted the figures) gave the T.V a good turn of acceleration as well as a top speed of 64mph despite its bulk and width of the new leg shields. The largest carburettor ever used on a standard Lambretta was to be seen on the T.V. at 23mm and the longest stroke at 60mm. The barrel assembly now was in line with the rest of the engine, horizontal instead of the earlier upright position, and with a bore of 60mm, Innocenti had made a machine with the 'magic' square and bore configuration, preferred by the tuners of that time. More new features included front fork dampers, larger 3.50 * 10 wheels, gave an undreamed of handling and comfort. A new four speed gearbox, complex kick start mechanism, air intake via the the frame tube with the air filter featuring a diaphragm to smooth the air flow, and floor mats instead of 'runners' were other additions to the new range of Lambretta's. Production of the T.V. Series one stopped in December 1958, with 10,089 of them being made.
L.i. Series1
L.i 150 Series 1
The T.V 1 was Innocenti's flagship. However, it was really a prototype and had several disadvantages which became apparent in road use. A new engine was designed and developed, to overcome these problems, available in both 125cc and 150cc formats. Body work was almost identical to the T.V, except the side panel slots had gone, and a cutout was pressed out of the offside side panel to allow the newly designed kick start to operate. The early machines were known as 'frame breathers', due to the air intake at the rear, but this was soon revised as passengers clothes blocked these vents, and it was possible for rain to enter here causing the engine to misfire. The 125 was available in grey, whilst the 150 had two-tone options. This machine was to set the future pattern for all Lambretta's, with it's 10" wheels and engine design.
 

Frame & Engine number Identification
Model
Frame
Prefix
Engine
Prefix
Total
Made
From - To
Series 1
Li 125  125LI  125LI  47,747  05/58 - 10/59 
Li 150  150LI  150LI  108,984  04/58 - 10/59 
TV175  175TV  175TV  10,089  09/57 - 10/59 
After the prefix (see above), the frame number will consist of up to 6 digits. TV Series 1 models usually have 4 or 5 and the first TV 1 had frame number 01000. With the introduction of the LI 125/150 models the frame numbers then always consisted of 6 digits after the prefix. The first Li 125 series 1 would have the frame number 5000,001 and the first 150 model would have the frame number 7000,001.
L.i. Series 2
L.i 150 Series2
Arriving in the UK in November/December 1959 for its launch in January of 1960, the Series 2 now featured a headlight built into the headset top. Other improvements were mainly to the engine, with stronger crank and bearings. The last models to be produced shared the T.V. improvements with larger rear light assemblies and pear shaped horn castings. Colours for the Series 2 were generally two-tone, with red/grey, blue/grey, coffee/cream, yellow/orange with grey, and then in complete colours of mistletoe green, Winchester blue, powder blue and red. Mostly supplied with separate saddle seats, later ones came with a dual seat as standard.
 
 

T.V. Series 2
T.V. Series 2

January 1969 saw the T.V 2 introduced, with styling based on the late L.i 1, with a few changes. A re-worked headset, which now carried a new headlight, and floor mats instead of runners were the main differences. All the T.V's now came with a dual seat as standard, with twin saddles available as an option. Mid production changes were from the early style rear light and horn grille, to the larger Series three type rear light and a pear shaped horn grille. The engine now featured a 58mm stoke crankshaft, though with a long stroke rod, along with a different barrel and piston. Carburation was again down sized to 21mm on the later ones, from 23mm on the early. Output was still claimed at 8.6bhp, with top speed rising to 65mph. Colour options of ivory or light blue were available, and by the time production stopped in November 1961, 43,700 examples had been built.
 

Frame & Engine number Identification
Model
Frame
Prefix
Engine
Prefix
Total
Made
From - To
Series 2
Li 125  125LI  125LI  111,087  10/59 - 11/61 
Li 150  150LI  150Li  162,040  10/59 - 11/61 
TV 175  175TV2  175TV2  43,700  10/59 - 11/61 
Although there were only 43,700 TV175 models manufactured their frame numbers are in two distinct groups. Early models, and these include those withb the reinforced frame tube, have frame numbers commencing 1 ....... and later models have frame numbers commencing 2 .........The first Li125 Series 2 had the frame number 7000,001 and the first Li 150 Series 2 had the frame number 800,001. 

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