Lambretta GP/DL
 Lambretta GP/DL | |
| Manufacturer | Lambretta |
|---|---|
| Production | 1968-April 1971 |
| Predecessor | SX Range |
| Successor | None |
| Class | Scooter |
| Engine | 125cc,150cc or 200 cc, two-stroke, single cylinder |
| Bore / stroke | 52mmx58mm-125cc 57mmx58mm-150cc 66mmx58mm-200cc |
| Top speed | 57mph-125cc, 63mph-150cc, 68mph-200cc |
| Power | 125cc-7.3hp @ 6,200rpm
150cc-8.7hp @ 6,300rpm 200cc-11.7hp @ 6,200rpm |
| Ignition type | Electronic (late models) |
| Transmission | 4 Speed, chain drive[1] |
| Frame type | Tubular Frame |
| Brakes | Front-Drum Brake-125cc & 150cc, Disk Brake-200cc Rare-Drum Brake |
| Tyres | 3.50*10 |
| Dimensions | L: 1800mm W: 680mm H: 1012mm |
| Weight | 118kg-125cc, 120kg-150cc, 123kg-200cc (dry) |
| Fuel consumption | 112mpg |
The Lambretta GP/DL range was the final range of classic Lambrettas to be produced before Lambretta was sold to British Leyland Motor Corporation in 1971. The range was called the DL in most countries, but was called the GP (standing for Grand Prix) in Britain and some other countries. This was in order to associate the scooters with Formula One which was extremely popular and successful in the late 1960s.[2]
History
The GP/DL range was designed by Nuccio Bertone who was also acclaimed for designing several vehicles for Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Fiat.
The GP/DL range was offered with three different engine sizes: 125, 150, and 200. The three versions were visually very similar in appearance. The 200cc version was fitted with an internal disc brake and had improved front suspension due to additional front dampers being fitted. In April 1971, Italian production of GP/DL Lambrettas ended with the closure of the Innocenti factory. The Indian Government purchased much of the tooling from Innocenti and continued production of GP/DL clone scooters under the Scooters India Ltd (SIL) brand until 1996. As of 2017, limited spares for the GP/DL range are still manufactured by SIL; SIL makes complete engines/engine cases for the GP/DL 150/200. Making of body panels and frames has been discontinued by SIL. However, third party/non-OE body panels, cosmetic items, electrical items are still available in large quantities and qualities throughout India. As of 2017, there is a wide and increasing range of spares and performance upgrades available from various Italian and U.K. aftermarket providers, including more robust engine cases, larger capacity cylinder kits, a twin-cylinder 275cc engine, carburettors, exhaust systems, 5-speed gearboxes and hydraulic disc brakes and suspension systems.
Design
The range was designed by Nuccio Bertone and was made shorter with a rectangular headset and slimmer leg shields. It also had black trim and a new shaped mudguard to make the GP/DL look more sporting. Despite the revised styling, the new model still shared many inter-changeable parts with the earlier series III scooters. An ink splat was used as the logo for the DL, because it was reported that Bertone once threw down his ink pen in frustration of his designs not being appreciated - the pattern being used as the logo, but in the United Kingdom the GP used a checkered flag. The GP Electronic was designed between Innocenti and Ducati and came with an electronic ignition.[3]
References
- ^ Brown, 2004 p.147
- ^ "Lambretta Series 3 GP Range", Lambretta Club of Great Britain. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
- ^ "www.ilambretta.co.uk".
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help)