The Age, 6th May 1950
The Age, 8th Feb 1951
Lambretta "Scooter" Has Many Purposes
The makers of the "Lambretta" describe this Italiam 125c.c. machine as "the most complete and efficient motor scooter;" a 90-mile road test showed that it fully lives up to this description.
By ordinary motor cycle standards it is unconventional from stem to stern, particularly the frame. This is of the open type and it is formed principally of a single, large-diametertube to which a shapely one-piece pressing forming the footboards and leg shields is attached.
Two spring saddles, one for each passenger, are mounted on a loop tube, which also supports the rear mudguard and spare wheel, the latter being a most unusual fitting on a single-track vehicle.
The front forks resemble those of an ordinary bicycle in construction with the addition of a pair of trailing links and tension springs to provide resilient suspension in a very simple manner.
Below the rider's saddle and very close to the back wheel is a 125cc two-stroke engine built integrally with a three-speed gear box and driving through an enclosed shaft and gears to an overhung rear axle carried in a casting pivotally attached to the shaft casing and controlled by a single tension spring to provide supple rear suspension; thus the whole mechanism for propulsion and suspension is concentrated in a single quickly removable package.
Gear changing is by means of a push-pull cable operated by twist grip on the left handle bar. The clutch lever is also mounted on, and therefore turns with this grip which is marked to indicate which ratio is engaged.
Easy Starts
Lubcrication is by petrol, whilst lighting and ignition current are supplied by a fly-wheel generator; a very neat handle-bar switch controls the lights and also acts as ignition cut-out and horn-button.
Beautifully designed side-shields with quick action clips enclose the power unit on the model 125 LC which we tested. Cooling air for the engine is provided by a fan on the flywheel.
The less expensive model The best attractive appearance.
Our models had covered 1500 miles without any servicing: it started at all times with ease although the starter pedal has an unusual action and is not too conveniently placed.
The clutch was light and smooth and gear changing proved to be delightfully simple between top and second, although not quite so good into bottom because of the large wrist movement required. Finding neutral presented no trouble at all.
The engine pulled well in top from as low as 15mph and could not be made to pink at any speed but was inclined o four-stroke below 20mph. Some transmission snatch then occurred particularly over rough surfaces.
On average city streets and main roads the riding comfort was adequate and, rather surprisingly, the small tyres (4.00 ins section on 8ins. diameter rims) behaved well on a particular stretch of loose gravel which i known to make some conventional machines wander, but the undamped suspension was not at all happy over corrugated roads unless the speed was kept very low.
Good Average
Steering was feather-light and without trace of wobble up to the tested maximum. The machine answers immediately to the slightest body movement and this, in conjunction with a very small turning circle and low centre of gravity, makes for extreme ease of handling in traffic or narrow lanes.
As a speedometer is not a standard fitting all the usual performance figures could not be taken; the mean timed speed over a mile was 46mph the second gear maximum being 38mph.
The best causing speed appeared to be around 40 mph and 24 miles of the Prince's Highway were covered in 40 minutes, a running average of 36 mph, without any sign of distress.
It was felt that the engine was not giving its best and subsequent decarbonisation and cleaning out of the silencer increased the top gear speed by five mph.
The rear brake was powerful although difficult to apply smoothly because of the position of the pedal, which protrudes through the footboard. The front brake was not as good as the rear, although at an estimation the stopping distance was certainly as good as most 125cc machines.
Altogether a most interesting little vehicle with sufficient performance for most purposes and weather protection a long way above average.
PRICE: £189 10/ (inc tax). (No speedometer)
DISTRIBUTORS: Disney's Motors Ltd., 410 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
By ordinary motor cycle standards it is unconventional from stem to stern, particularly the frame. This is of the open type and it is formed principally of a single, large-diametertube to which a shapely one-piece pressing forming the footboards and leg shields is attached.
Two spring saddles, one for each passenger, are mounted on a loop tube, which also supports the rear mudguard and spare wheel, the latter being a most unusual fitting on a single-track vehicle.
The front forks resemble those of an ordinary bicycle in construction with the addition of a pair of trailing links and tension springs to provide resilient suspension in a very simple manner.
Below the rider's saddle and very close to the back wheel is a 125cc two-stroke engine built integrally with a three-speed gear box and driving through an enclosed shaft and gears to an overhung rear axle carried in a casting pivotally attached to the shaft casing and controlled by a single tension spring to provide supple rear suspension; thus the whole mechanism for propulsion and suspension is concentrated in a single quickly removable package.
Gear changing is by means of a push-pull cable operated by twist grip on the left handle bar. The clutch lever is also mounted on, and therefore turns with this grip which is marked to indicate which ratio is engaged.
Easy Starts
Lubcrication is by petrol, whilst lighting and ignition current are supplied by a fly-wheel generator; a very neat handle-bar switch controls the lights and also acts as ignition cut-out and horn-button.
Beautifully designed side-shields with quick action clips enclose the power unit on the model 125 LC which we tested. Cooling air for the engine is provided by a fan on the flywheel.
The less expensive model The best attractive appearance.
Our models had covered 1500 miles without any servicing: it started at all times with ease although the starter pedal has an unusual action and is not too conveniently placed.
The clutch was light and smooth and gear changing proved to be delightfully simple between top and second, although not quite so good into bottom because of the large wrist movement required. Finding neutral presented no trouble at all.
The engine pulled well in top from as low as 15mph and could not be made to pink at any speed but was inclined o four-stroke below 20mph. Some transmission snatch then occurred particularly over rough surfaces.
On average city streets and main roads the riding comfort was adequate and, rather surprisingly, the small tyres (4.00 ins section on 8ins. diameter rims) behaved well on a particular stretch of loose gravel which i known to make some conventional machines wander, but the undamped suspension was not at all happy over corrugated roads unless the speed was kept very low.
Good Average
Steering was feather-light and without trace of wobble up to the tested maximum. The machine answers immediately to the slightest body movement and this, in conjunction with a very small turning circle and low centre of gravity, makes for extreme ease of handling in traffic or narrow lanes.
As a speedometer is not a standard fitting all the usual performance figures could not be taken; the mean timed speed over a mile was 46mph the second gear maximum being 38mph.
The best causing speed appeared to be around 40 mph and 24 miles of the Prince's Highway were covered in 40 minutes, a running average of 36 mph, without any sign of distress.
It was felt that the engine was not giving its best and subsequent decarbonisation and cleaning out of the silencer increased the top gear speed by five mph.
The rear brake was powerful although difficult to apply smoothly because of the position of the pedal, which protrudes through the footboard. The front brake was not as good as the rear, although at an estimation the stopping distance was certainly as good as most 125cc machines.
Altogether a most interesting little vehicle with sufficient performance for most purposes and weather protection a long way above average.
PRICE: £189 10/ (inc tax). (No speedometer)
DISTRIBUTORS: Disney's Motors Ltd., 410 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
The Age, 31st May 1951
Benalla Ensign, 27th September 1951
Dandenong Journal, 30th January 1952
nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222356924
|
Car, Motor Cycle Stolen From 'Mayfair' Theatre
On January 25th, A Lambretta motor cycle belonging to Geoffrey Miles of Harrisfield was stolen from outside the "Mayfair" Theatre, Dandenong. The following night a Holden car belonging to William Henry Symons, of 48 King St., Geelong, was stolen from the same spot. Police are investigating. |
The Age, Feb 7th, 1952
Bryson Industries Ltd, from an LC
|
Disney's Motors, From an LC
|
The Argus, 27th February1952
|
Bryson has good ½ year
Bryson Industries Ltd., distributors of Jaguar cars and Ariel motor-cycles, reports satisfactory financial results for the half-year to December 31, despite shipping difficulties and other problems. Directors are confident that results for the full year will be at least equal and probably exceed the previous year's figures. The company recently acquired almost all of the shares in Continental Finance Co. Pty. Ltd., which conducts a substantial hire-purchase finance business. The new subsidiary is operating at a good profit. Bryson Industries recently obtained the franchise for Victoria and N.S.W of the Lambretta motor scooter. |
The Age, 27th February 1952
Motor Business MaintainedDirectors of Bryson Industries Ltd. report that during the first half of the current financial year, despite shipping difficulties and other problems, business was maintained and financial results were satisfactory.
Demand for Jaguar cars continues, and the company's other activities are operating satisfactorily. Directors are confident that results for the full financial year will at least equal, and probably exceed, the previous year's results. The company recently acquired almost all the shares in Continental Finance Co. Pty. Ltd., which conducts a substantial hire-purchase finance business. This new subsidiary is operating at a good profit rate. The company also recently acquired the franchise for New South Wales and Victoria of the Lambretta motor scooter. In December last the company acquired a leasehold property in South Melbourne. All service and maintenance operations are now carried on in this building. |
The Age, 20th March 1952
The Age, 3rd April 1952
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article206201093
LAMBRETTA. — Club run. leaves corner Alexander-avenue and St. Kilda- road 10.30 a.m. Sunday, for Maccdon.
Club meeting Tuesday. S.30 p.m., ,"Ye Olde Boys' Inn." Fltzroy-street, St. Kilda. Lambretta fans welcome.
LAMBRETTA. — Club run. leaves corner Alexander-avenue and St. Kilda- road 10.30 a.m. Sunday, for Maccdon.
Club meeting Tuesday. S.30 p.m., ,"Ye Olde Boys' Inn." Fltzroy-street, St. Kilda. Lambretta fans welcome.
The Age, 17th Apr 1952
|
Long Trip by
Motor Scooter Two young Melbourne men are preparing to set out at 10 a.m. on Sunday, from the corner of St. Kilda-road, and Alexandra-avenue on a round-Australia trip by motor scooter. They are Ken.Hooke, 21, a tailor, of Prahran. and Dick Truman, 25, a hair dresser, of Thornbury, both have been members of the Lambretta motor scooter club for about six months. The pair plan to be away about eight or nine months, depending .on how much work they can find. Special racks on their machines .will carry petrol , water; food, spares And camping equipment. They will carry rifles, too. Club mates will escort : them as far as Bacchus Marsh. |
|
The News (Adelaide), 10th July 1952
|
All aboard the Lambrettas ...
Dick Truman and Ken Hooke of Melbourne were well prepared when they left Adelaide on the second stage of their "Around Australia" tour. Each carried on his little Lambretta Scooter 250 lbs. of equipment and stores. They reported to Maughan Thiem Motor Company, Lambretta Distributors, that the first stage Melbourne to Adelaide, was accomplished on a petrol cost of 13/6 per machine. The Lambretta is made by the Innocenti Co. of Milan, and is also being used by Keith Batten in his World Endurance Race as llunstrated In The Mail on Saturday last. The Lambretta is built like a car in miniature and so low in price as to make it possible for almost anyone to own a reliable motor vehicle. |
The Age, 8th August 1952
Detail from Australian Women's Weekly Nov 3 1954
p13 - article about how people travelled to Flemington for the Melbourne Cup
The Argus, 15th July 1955
|
Bryson's Good year:
new car franchise Bryson Industries Ltd., Jaguar distributors, reports that trade results for the year to June 30, are expected to better those of the previous year. The company has decided to concentrate its business in motor car and motor car finance. Bryson has the franchise for Simla cars in Victoria and Tasmania, the company announced yesterday. A new subsidiary, Exhibition Motors Pty. Ltd. has been formed to handle this. Directors are Mr T. Graham, chairman, Mr J.B. Bryson, and Mr. A.J. Collins. Showrooms will be at 174 Exhibition Street. They are being renovated. Bryson has sold its shareholding in Lacy and Osborne, leather good retailers, at "a satisfactory price." Bryson's stocks of Ariel motor-cycles and Lambretta motor scooters, Morgan cars and spares, have been sold to Finlay Bros. Holdings Pty Ltd. The company will not now make a motor scooter in Australia, and will sell its showroom at 340 Elizabeth Street. |
Motor Cycle Show, Carlton 1955
|
With reference to the Open frame model shown, which says :
"This Lambretta model D was purchased in Rome by a Mr Vaughan to complete his round the world trip. It was ridden to Melbourne Via Yugoslavia, Greece, Turkey, Iraq, Persia, Pakistan, and then from India by ship to Perth the by road home to Melbourne" We have also found the following article from the West Australian, 30th August 1954: "Scooter Tour" LONDON. Sun. - A 30 year old Melbourne building contractor, Ken Vaughan, who is touring the world on a motor scooter, yesterday visited Shannon airport, Eire. Mr. Vaughan, whose paternal grandparents went to Australia from County Clare nearly 100 years ago, intends to stay in Ireland for the next 2 weeks. His world-tour will take nine months but he expects it to cost less than £A1,250. - Reuters. |
|
The Age, 16th July 1955
|
LAMBRETTA
OWNERS FINLAY BROS PTY. LTD. are pleased to announce they are the
SOLE VICTORIAN
DISTRIBUTORS FOR LAMBRETTA YOUR SERVICE CARRIED OUT WITH GENUINE LAMBRETTA SPARES AND FACTORY
TOOLS BY EXPERTS Continental Languages no Barrier. We Have Interpreters for Your Convenience
Phone FB1141 or Call at
FINLAYS SERVICES PTY. LTD. 316 Elizabeth St., Melbourne. |
The Age, 23rd July 1955
The Age, 30th July 1955
The Argus, 21st October 1955
|
LAMBRETTA IN THE LIMELIGHT
Because of their charm, and the surprise value of electric starters and spare wheels, de luxe scooters have grabbed some of the limelight from their more utilitarian brothers.
An excellent example of the low priced but completely adequate machine of this class is the Standard Lambretta Model F.
Mechanically it is nearly identical with the de luxe model, having similar features of torsion bar rear suspension and shaft drive, but more simplification has been possible without loss of efficiency. Protected Weather protection is still adequate, although front shielding is lower, but engine enclosure is not attempted. This does not mean, however, that the rider's clothes are likely to suffer from oil, because the engine position is so far back that it is well clear of trouser legs or skirts, while the oiliest part, the carburettor, is right at the rear, with the air intake facing backwards. Direct draught cooling can be used, with the open engine, and the fan is eliminated, while the layout enables the transmission to be simplified, with the propeller shaft running back directly from the gearbox. Lighting on the Standard Lambretta is direct from the flywheel generator, saving the cost of battery and direct current generation, but an electric horn is still included in the equipment. This type of lighting is fully effective, for maximum power is attained at an engine speed corresponding with only about 10 m.p.h. in top gear, then remains steady. This class of scooter is likely to become of considerable commercial importance, both for personnel transport and light delivery. nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71702941 |
The Argus, 10th February 1956
|
LAMBRETTA FOR PUNCH
MORE power, more comfort, and a number of detail improvements are features of the Lambretta 150 LD, announced this week by Finlay, Bros.
Engine capacity has been increased from 125 to 150 cc, and the rear suspension has been improved by the fitting of a hydraulic damper, which overcomes the slight pitching experienced with former models. , Two silencers are now fitted, so that the staccato two stroke note has been reduced to an exhaust hum,. but 6 brake horse-power is now developed. All riders 'will appreciate the placing of fuel tap and choke control externally, instead of under a hinged flap as formerly, because this arrangement became oily and produced unnecessarily dirty hands. The speedometer is standard equipment, and is housed in a nacelle behind the headlamp, which has provision for the fitting of another instrument, probably a clock, and also houses a glove-box, with locking lid. There is also a built-in steering lock, the key of which is different from the glove-box. All the good features of the previous model are re tained. Wheel changes are easy, times being in the region of 85 seconds for the rear wheel, 2 1/2 minutes for the front; Factory performance claims, which are probably on the conservative side, are 50 m.p.h., and 150 m.p.g., which gives the useful range of 230 miles on a tankful. Weight has been kept down to the very moderate figure of 1941b., and saddle height is 30 inches. Price of the 150 LD is £223, including tax, with £6/10/ for a pillion seat, and £14/10/ for a spare wheel, both being extras. Agents, Finlay Bros. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72535199 |
The Argus, 13th April 1956
|
Equality of the sexes
If girls ever take to motor cycles as they have to scooters, they might liven up competition, at least in trials.
In the scooter Association's first night trial recently, Norma Lacey took equal second place. Only one rider covered the course in the exact time set, and she was Jennifer Fishlock. Both rode Lambrettas, and these machines were also ridden by outright winner Doug Burnand and Frank Maher, equal second. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71797411 |
|
The scooter's a toy no longer
If anyone needs proof that the scooter is not a toy,, but a serious travelling machine, the Easter programme of the Motor Scooter Association gave it. The riders covered a total of 400 miles . over their camping holidays at Wangaratta, including a visit to Albury and the Hume Weir.. On Friday night they en countered heavy rain, and the scooters successfully negotiated flood waters 18 to 24in. deep. There was only one spill, and this was unconnected with road conditions, happening when one of the 11 girl riders fell asleep, while riding. With hired tent equipment a truck to carry the luggage of . the 26 members of the party, and cafe meals, total cost to each member for a full Easter holiday was not more than £5 a head, including petrol. The previous weekend, the association had its first night trial, through the Dandenongs to Sassafras, returning to Melbourne via Vermont; Doug Burnand : (Lambretta) won the trophy, a silver table lighter in: the form of a scooter. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71797356 |
The Argus, 15th June 1956
|
Plenty of Lambrettas Available
Further shipments of the popular Lambretta Type LD 150 have been received by Finlay Bros. Pty. Ltd.
This new larger engined model has recently been scarce, but prompt delivery can now be given. |
Melbourne Motorcycle and Scooter show - 1956
The Age, 24th November 1956
The Age, 8th December 1956
Italian Man and Dutch Woman around the world riders arrive in Melbourne. 18th February 1957
The back of a Lambretta motorcycle laden with Italian food products such as Bisleri Ferro China and a barrel of Sanremo Macaroni sauce. This and another Lambretta motorcycle were taking part in a round-the-world trip. The riders arrived in Melbourne on 18 February 1957.
www.coasit.com.au/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=&TN=IHSnew&RF=Web%3EIHSfull&MR=&AC=QBE_QUERY&CS=2&QY=Number%3D+P-03089 
Arrival in Melbourne on 18 February 1957 of two motorcyclists. The duo, a man from Bologna and a woman from Holland, are taking part in a round-the-world trip on Lambretta motorcycles. They are greeted and congratulated in the middle of Lygon Street Carlton by traders from the area.
www.coasit.com.au/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=&TN=IHSnew&RF=Web%3EIHSfull&MR=&AC=QBE_QUERY&CS=2&QY=Number%3D+P-03087 
Lygon Street shop owners and friends in front of the University Restaurant and Café, 257 Lygon Street Carlton. The motorcycles belong to two riders who arrived in Melbourne on 18 February 1957 during an around-the-world trip, possibly to promote Lambretta motorcycles. Included are Vincenzo Pardo [fifth from left] Giovanni [Nino] Greco, Margaret Milani, Ero Milani and Ernesto Angerame. Vincenzo Pardo, a butcher from Varapodio, Calabria, was one of the first to introduce goat meat into Australia. He also trained apprentice butchers.
www.coasit.com.au/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=&TN=IHSnew&RF=Web%3EIHSfull&MR=&AC=QBE_QUERY&CS=2&QY=Number%3D+P-03915 |
Arrival in Melbourne on 18 February 1957 of two motorcyclists. The duo, a man from Bologna and a woman from Holland, are taking part in a round-the-world trip on Lambretta motorcycles. They are greeted and congratulated in the middle of Lygon Street Carlton by traders from the area.
trove.nla.gov.au/work/157879043 
In the upstairs dining room of the University Restaurant and Café, 257 Lygon Street Carlton are Ero Milani [left], Nino Borsari [centre] and an unidentified motorcycle rider form Bologna who, together with a female partner, arrived in Melbourne on 18 February 1957 during an around-the-world trip on their Lambretta motorcycles. The Lambretta rider is showing the group a number of international newspapers that covered stories about their trip. During the 1950s and 1960s, the Café was a meeting place for many sporting personalties, mainly boxers and soccer players.
www.coasit.com.au/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=&TN=IHSnew&RF=Web%3EIHSfull&MR=&AC=QBE_QUERY&CS=2&QY=Number%3D+P-03910 
Arrival in Melbourne on 18 February 1957 of two motorcyclists. The duo, a man from Bologna and a woman from Holland, are taking part in a round-the-world trip on Lambretta motorcycles. They are pictured in front of the University Café 257 Lygon Street Carlton. During the 1950s and 1960s, the Café was a meeting place for many sporting personalties, mainly boxers and soccer players.
www.coasit.com.au/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=&TN=IHSnew&RF=Web%3EIHSfull&MR=&AC=QBE_QUERY&CS=2&QY=Number%3D+P-03085 |
The Age, 13th September 1958
The Age, 27th September 1958
The Age, 18th April 1959
The Age, 5th February 1960
The Age, 25th February 1960
The Age, 18th March 1960
The Age, 9th March 1961
|
Lanes
Sales Slower Consolidated profit of Lanes Motors (Holdings) Ltd. was higher for the December half-year compared with the previous corresponding period, despite a reduction in sales.
Sales dropped off during November and December when the Federal Government imposed credit restrictions. Directors say this could also affect consolidated earnings for the next six months. Company distributes all Morris vehicles, M.G., Wolsley and Willeys cars, and Lambretta motor scooters. Interim dividend has been declared steady at 5 per cent., confirming the 15 per cent. annual rate. It will be paid on April 27. Books close on March 29. |
The Age, 11th March 1961
|
The Age, 20th October 1961
|
1964 - Lanes Dealer plaques
|
From a 1964 LI 150, owned by Martyn Heffernan
|
Purchase documents from a Scooter bought at Lanes in 1967
Canberra Times, 9th March 1967
|
Lanes profit
down 16% Lanes Motors (Holdings Ltd had a further set-back in the six months to December 31, when net profit fell by about 16 per cent.
This follows a 23 per cent fall in profit from $546,101 to $419,629, in 1965-66. But directors say that interim dividend will be held at 74 percent, and is fully covered by the half-year profit. The company distributes BMC. Chrysler and Mercedes-Bcnz vehicles, and Lambretta scooters. The directors say that the fall in profit in the December half-year was despite a S789, 252 increase in turnover to $15,092,300. The profit for July and August was well below the for the corresponding month of 1965, but the result for September to December was better than previously. "It appears now that this improvement could con tinue into the second half of this financial year", directors say. |
Toorak Village Motor Cycles dealer badges, 1969
from a 1969 GP150
|
From a 1969 Vega
|
The Age, 21st June 1980
The Age, 15th May 1981
The Age, 20th March 1982
From a 1981 GP 200, owned by Siobhan Ellis