Patina in Spades:

Conceived shortly after World War II, Lambretta scooters were built from 1947 until 1972 in Lambrate, a suburb of Milan.

Discovered in a barn in Washington state in 2013, this S2 received a full blown mechanical restoration by LCUSA member and Lambretta restoration specialist Michael Jarema of Built to Last Scooters in Portland, Oregon.

Mike stripped the scooter to its bare frame, and left no bolt, nut, or washer untouched, but refrained from disturbing the irreplaceable natural patina as much as possible. The result was a scooter that looked like it had been to hell and back, but was running and driving pretty much like new.

I bought this S2, VIN *125LI766286*, directly from Mike in February of 2014 and had it shipped to my home in California. Mike submitted a detailed list of parts that went into the scooter, totaling $1,783.25. Born a Li125 with just 4.9 horsepower, the original engine grew to 150cc and 5.2 horsepower before I took ownership.

I sourced a N.O.S. YOM plate and 1960 sticker ($250.00) for this scooter and fabricated an aluminum backing plate for it. The scooter comes with a clear California Certificate of Title in my name and is currently registered until March 8, 2021.
And, yes, that's a Falbo Comet on the bottom.

The scooter wears all of its factory original paint, although the front fender is from another rescue. Sandblasted and painted were the rims, hubs, centerstand, splashplate, and horn cover, but that's the full extent of it. New Pirelli tires and tubes were fitted, of course.

Even with 150cc, the 5.2 horsepower engine had to work hard to move my 260lbs. body, so in May of 2016 I asked Dean of Deanspeed in Carson, arguably one of the best Lambretta mechanics in the country, to get 'er up to 175cc ($600.00). That boost in performance got me exited 'til late 2018, when Dean turned it into a full blown 195cc performer ($1,307.00). At the same time Dean installed a big motor mount, electronic ignition, new carburetor, and new big bore exhaust. That was at 18,939 miles.

E.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. on this scooter works as it should, including horn city lights, driving lights, and high beam.

The kill switch works too, of course, and the chromed bag hook I got from Jet*200.

I also installed an aluminum cupholder, with one screw, to the horncast mount. I did not have to drill a single hole.

Dean bored the original engine 64 x 62mm, reprofiled the cylinder head, and enlarged the cylinder head chamber. He also matched inlet and outlet port for intake and exhaust.
Now with about 12 horsepower on tap, the scooter cruises nicely at 60mph with room to go. I have driven it exactly 303 miles since, without any hiccups, and it is just about broken in.

The engine, #125LI*60865*, is still the original engine that this S2 was born with.

Big bore exhaust, with stainless steel tip.

Still looks bone stock, like it did in 1960, 60 years ago!

Original NOS Metalplast mirror ($72.33), acquired in the United Kingdom.

Original dual seats, still in good condition.

Casa Lambretta Sprint rack, bought from Scooter Center in Germany, carries a late 1950s vintage aluminum case with lucite handle.

Each side panel carries 5 Falbo Comets, and I have 1 spare that comes with the scoot.

Electronic ignition, with 12 volt electrics, provides outstanding lighting!

New 28mm carburetor with open throat.

This is the last Lambretta I own, the one I never wanted to sell. It's my dream scooter and it performs flawlessly.

Sadly, I'm forced into early retirement and have to re-arrange my life, which also means I have to part with most of my favorite toys.

The scooter comes with a bin full of parts, a matching Bell Custom 500 helmet (XL), and a neat 3-ring binder with all receipts chronologically ordered. My Excel spreadheet tells me that I have exactly $7,831.09 invested, and I'm asking $4,900.00 to part with it.