Lambretta Model 175 TV and 200 TV

LAMBRETTA MODEL 175 TV AND 200 TV HISTORY

Instead of following the tradition of first presenting the largest scooter of the line, Innocenti broke from the past and let the 125cc Series III have their moment in the limelight before releasing the 175 TV version.

The bodywork of the new 175 TV Series III took the same lines as the smaller Lambrettas but with a few variations that made it even more sporty and elegant looking. The front fender was one of the most noticeable changes since it was more square and made of fiberglass. Other changes were the lowered horn cover, the octagonal-shaped headlight, and, as always, the long dual-passenger bench seat. Without a doubt the most interesting novelty was the mechanically-controlled front disc brakes that made the braking power adjustable and infinitely safer. This was a wise move since the front wheels on scooters were notorious for blocking up because the small diameter wheels did not respond well to quick braking. With the new disc brakes, slowing down was much easier, and it became almost impossible for the brakes to freeze up.

The compression ratio of the motor was slightly updated, and the carburetor and the muffler were both enlarged. The overall performance of the engine was identical to its predecessor apart from a little better acceleration from a stop.

To satisfy the sporting market, a larger 200cc version of the TV was introduced in April 1963 in a few foreign markets (especially England). In some countries this new, high powered scooter was called the GT 200 but was identical to the TV 200. The 200cc version was not available at all in Italy, and impatient Italian Lambrettisi would have to wait until the beginning of 1966, when they could get their hands on a 200cc Lambretta.

Going back to the 175 TV, the side panels were changed from the older model with new polished aluminum molding that were also put on the brand new 150 Special. The old two-tone models with a base of light gray and the side panels, horn cover and front fender in either coral red, light yellow, or dark gray were no longer offered, but metallic blue was the only option.

At the end of 1965, the two sizes of the TV, 175cc and 200cc, were put out of production to make room for a new model that would be available exclusively as the 200cc version.