Many of you will already have seen this rare model A in the latest issue of Classic Scooterist scene magazine but for those who have'nt this was the unbelievable sight which greeted Mau and I when we visited the owner last month.
I was originally put onto the scooter by another Scooterotica member Ian Campbell who had been approached by the owner. When I realised how significant the find was I immediatly contacted Mau and arranged a meeting.
This rare model A was first registered on the 10th of August 1949, which, as far as we know is the earliest known British registered Lambretta in the country. We can trace it's history back to at least 1958 when it was last used on the road by the present owners brother in law. Unfortunately the original logbook had been replaced by a duplicate in 1958 so we dont know who imported it or who the first owner was. It is possible it came into the country with another model A JYO 902 which was used for a road test in the July 1949 edition of Motor Cycle magazine, this was imported by the British/Italian trading company based in Bishopsgate London. Both machines were mark 2 versions built in 1948.
Unfortunately records concerning A and B models are very sketchy and often contradict each other. I am hopeful that more info will come to light in the near future about this very rare survivor.
As you can see it's in quite good condition despite not being looked after for the last 50 odd years, the worst problem is the handlebars which have been cut off just above the headlight. Whoever the new owner might be I'm sure that restoration will be fairly straightforward and he or she will soon have a exciting addition to their collection.
