Lambretta is more than simply a scooter; it represents nostalgia for the baby boomer generation of the 1900s. When you ask your father about the scooter, he will become engrossed in memories of past journeys. Despite how Indian the name sound, Lambretta scooters in India has roots outside of the United States. Yes, that is accurate.
Actor Shammi Kapoor tries to tease Sharmila Tagore in a scene from the 1967 movie An Evening in Paris while singing a song. They both travel the twisty mountain roads on Lambretta scooters, along with many other members of their posse.
The popularity of two-wheelers in Bollywood peaked during this period. The scooter evolved into an aspirational buy for middle-class families sometime in the 1970s, at a time when the bulk of people was still riding bicycles.
The Italian scooter Lambretta initally seduced the upper-middle-class and business elite in India. During the early stages of his telecom operation, millionaire Sunil Mittal reportedly rode his Lambretta to and from the Lajpat Rai market. Bajaj, and Lambretta dominated the market and were known as “family scooters” as more and more Indians began purchasing scooters. “I recall sitting on the spacious scooter stand in front of my dad as he was operating it. When we were young , our Lambretta scooter in India easily fit our family of four, recalled a Udaipur-based marketer.
1947- Modest declaration of India’s independence; introduction of the Lambretta
No, India did not invent the scooter. It is a Milan-based Italian company. The company takes its name from the Lambrate neighborhood in Milan. Its name comes from a fabled body of water that runs alongside the suburb where it was first created. The Lambretta scooter in question was created by Innocenti S.A., the company that owns the Lambretta name and has licenced it internationally.
1950s: India receives the Lambretta as well
Automobile Products of India (API) started the production of Lambretta scooters in India. Initially, the business sold 48cc classic scooters. Later, API bought the rights to the Li150 Series 2 model, which was marketed as Bajaj Lambretta or Lambretta in India until 1976. Due to some legal considerations, the name was later changed to Lamby.
As time went on, the export market for Lambrettas “made in India” increased as people had less and less access to genuine Italian GGPs. Although they were initially decided as inferior “curry burners” it might sound racist, but that’s what everyone called them back then. Their renown eventually came to rival that of their Italian ancestors. Not nearly, but nowadays you wouldn’t be ashamed to ride an Indian GP.
Why was the Lambretta so famous?
The Lambretta, which was primarily targeted at the business and upper classes, quickly gained popularity with the middle classes as well. The founder of the Bharti company and multibillionaire Sunil Mittal both commuted on Lambretta scooters.
Later, more and more people were choosing scooters as their first family car, including Lambretta and Bajaj Chetak models. Many people ask what made the Lambretta scooter in India so famous. The simple answer to this question is, that the scooter could easily fit four individuals, a four-person family with two kids. In the front section, in front of the seat, facing the wind, one would stand. This scooter was different from a classic scooter. The second child would ride on the spare tyre at the back of the Lambretta scooter while two older people sat on the seat.
The whole factory, equipment, designs, paperwork, and copyrights of Innocenti were purchased by the state-owned Scooter India Ltd. SIL currently owns the rights to the Lambretta scooter.
What caused the popularity to decline?
Due to its size, Lambretta was more suited to a Dad or father than a young person. Consequently, it was never as well-known as the Bajaj Lambretta Chetak or the LML Vespa. Thus, Lambretta scooter in India eventually went out of business in the 1980s.
But it’s not the end yet. The dad scooter will return to India soon in an electrified version that would cost about 1 lakh rupees, even if the precise timing has not been announced.
The Lambretta wasn’t the only vehicle available domestically. Usually, a Vespa follows a Lambretta a short way behind the front. Your preference is important.
Anyway, an Indian company the name of Bajaj had been a company by the name of Bajaj Lambretta had been importing Vespas since the late 1940s.
In 1958, they began producing both two-wheelers and rickshaws on their own, both of which were based, I believe, on the Vespa Sprint.
Conclusion
Previously the Lambretta was very popular among our fathers but lately after new models came it become less popular. As the new generation starts finding it old fashion model. The model will be different from a classic scooter.
Presently the maker is trying to bring a new model with its vintage look and feel, it hopes to draw in young Indians. The business for the Indian market will produce a street version of the Super Lambretta.
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