Lambrettas in Bologna: The Genius and Passion Behind the Innocenti Legend

The Museum of Industrial Heritage in Bologna is hosting the exhibition Lambrettas in Bologna: The Genius and Passion Behind the Innocenti Legend.

The brainchild of aeronautical engineer Pier Luigi Torre, the Lambretta soon revolutionized the concept of mobility.

Constant technological research led Innocenti to be the first to introduce a series of innovations on its scooters: electric starting in 1957, the first front disc brake in 1962, separate oil-gasoline mixing in 1968, and electronic ignition in 1970.

The Lambretta became a social, cultural, and media phenomenon. It was the official scooter of the 1960 Rome Olympics, appeared in numerous films, and had famous endorsers such as Jayne Mansfield, Totò and Macario, Adriano Celentano and Giorgio Gaber, the Quartetto Cetra, and Raffaella Carrà.

The initiative stems from a collaboration with local collectors and enthusiasts who also provided documentation and personal accounts highlighting the role of the Lambretta Club Bologna, whose racing team was often victorious in all disciplines during the 1960s.

On display are 8 models of great technical and historical interest, starting with the rare 125 fairing model by Record (only two examples are known to exist worldwide) and the prototype of a Lambretta 50 moped. Next is the 125 D Corsa, based on the 125 D but featuring numerous technical modifications: a reinforced frame, a larger-capacity central fuel tank, improved aerodynamics, and a 4-speed desmodromic transmission.

Also on display are the 125 LD, in its '57 version, offered to the public with an optional electric starter; the 150 D, the ultimate evolution of the non-fairing versions with a robust engine equipped with forced cooling; the 150 Li Second Series, the best-selling model with a record production rate of 74 units per hour; and the futuristic LUI 50 CL, featuring clean, modern lines, the result of a collaboration with Studio Bertone.

The exhibition is open to the public until Sunday, July 12, 2026.