The Lambretta 48 was a single-seat, 48 cc moped built by Innocenti from 1954. First introduced at the 1954 Milan Show, it was exhibited at Earls Court, London in 1956, and had a two-speed transmission with rear suspension.

Lambretta 48
White single seat moped, a light motorcycle with pedals
Lambretta 48
ManufacturerInnocenti
Engine48 cc (2.9 cu in), two stroke, single cylinder alloy head, Dell'Orto T5/11S Carburettor
Bore / stroke40 mm (1.6 in) x 38 mm (1.5 in)
Power1.7 bhp at 5,000 rpm
Ignition typeMagneto, F70 spark plug
TransmissionTwo-speed gearbox, 12 x 0.205 inches rear chain
SuspensionTrailing-link front fork; trailing fork at rear with twin telescopic spring units
Brakes4 in (100 mm) diameter drum front and rear, 78 width friction material linings
Tyres2.00 x 22 inches
Wheelbase42 in (1,100 mm)
Weight44 kg (97 lb)[1] (dry)

The moped market during the 1950s was dominated by the highly successful NSU Quickly, and the Lambretta 48 was withdrawn from the UK market in 1959.

The Lambretta 48 was also produced in India under the name API Lambretta, being assembled in India from kits supplied by parent-business Innocenti in Italy.

Successor

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Lambrettino moped

The Lambrettino, an updated design using a rigid spine frame with a coil-sprung single seat and 39 cc (40 x 31 mm) engine, was introduced for the 1966 model year. Having a single-speed transmission with automatic (centrifugal) clutch, 18 x 2.00 inch tyres and weighing 90 lb (41 kg), the maker claimed a top speed of 24 mph returning an overall fuel consumption of 200 mpg.[2][3]

Sources

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  1. ^ Williams, Peter Martin; Reddihough, John Augustine (1960), Motor Cycle Data Book: Motor Cycles, Scooters, Mopeds, Light Cars, London: George Newnes Ltd., pp. 99, 179
  2. ^ Motor Cycle 17 November 1966 pp. 658-659.
  3. ^ Motor Cycle 1 December 1966 p. 747.
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