With the arrival of a new decade, the 1960's, came a new consumer demand for small engined scooters and mopeds that in Italy could be ridden without the need for a licence. Innocenti had in fact been producing a moped since 1955, the Lambretta "48" but it had never achieved the level of sales expected and in 1961 production of the model stopped. Instead engineers concentrated their efforts on a new 50cc model, what they came up with was a radically new design for Lambretta, but previously seen on their counterpart - Enrico Piaggio's "Vespa" scooters - the pressed steel monocoque frame, retaining the familiar centrally placed Li style motor but with a vertical cylinder and induction regulated by a rotating distributor. At the 1961 Milan Motor Show the prototype was unveiled, whether it was the radical new design or the fact that because of it's size it could only be comfortably ridden by those of a small/medium build, the scooter was not well received. Innocenti could not risk going into production of a possible "flop" and the project was put on hold. The Prototype unveiled at the Milan Show Meanwhile, the Italian government were preparing changes to the country's highway laws, most essentially for the scooter rider and scooter industry, the obligation of a number plate on all 2 wheeled vehicles over 50cc. Unknown to Innocenti, Piaggio engineers were working hard on a new model and following introduction of the new legislation, in 1963 the 3 speed Vespa 50 was launched and was an immediate success. Taken by surprise, Innocenti went back to it's prototype, making some minor changes before taking it into production. And so, a new line of Lambrettas was born the "i" range, 'i' for Innocenti, but because of it's remarkable resemblance to a 'j' it was mistakely referred to as the J range. Presumably the error was made overseas, there being no J present in the Italian alphabet, despite this faux pas, the models are universally referred to today as the Lambretta J range By March, '64 the first model was available - the Cento, a 98cc model, specifically for the foreign market. The 50cc version aptly called the 'Junior' - it was aimed at the younger Italian clientele, becoming available in Italy later in the year. For yearly production figures, specifications, colour codes and frame numbers see Additional Information page or click here Additional Info CENTO March '64 - Nov. '65 (Total production 17,642) The 'Cento' or 'J98' (it's factory name) was the first of the J range scooters to come off the production line. The new monocoque frame and small size made it extremely light and manoeverable Early centos were fitted with twin seats while later models were equipped with the more familiar dual seat, grey trim was fitted as standard throughout it's production. A large Cento badge was fitted to the front right hand side of the legshields and Lambretta and 100 badges on the left , there was no rear frame badge. J 125 (3 speed) Sept '64 - Sept. '66 (Total production 21,651) Like it's predecessor, the Cento, the J125 had a pressed steel monocoque frame, but with the main internal tube being reinforced to avoid the frame breaking. Again, like the Cento, the early models were fitted with twin single seats, later models featuring a dual seat as standard. Grey trim was fitted as standard. On the left hand side of the legshields a badge denoting Lambretta 125 was mounted, no other badges were fixed to this model. J 50 (3 speed) Oct. '64 - Aug. '66 (Total production 31,021) Unveiled at the 1961 Milan Motor Show, it was 3 years later that the J50 finally made it off the production line and featuring some changes from the initial prototype. An additional 3rd gear, upgraded front suspension and a rear hydraulic shock. A dual seat was fitted as standard and initially 10" wheels, these were subsequently changed to 9". Produced as an 'economy' model, cost cutting measures included the ommitance of legshield trim, speedo and steering lock. Additionally only four plastic runners were fitted and a small rear light. Despite three J50's arriving for evaluation purposes, the model was never imported into the UK. J 125 Starstream/Super Starstream (4 speed) May '66 - Apr. '69 (Total production 16,052) With the introduction of this new model both the Cento and the J125 were phased out. Whilst retaining the familiar J range shape, the Starstream or J125 mark 4, featured a redesigned, stronger frame with slimmer legshields, a new seat mounting, allowed for a longer and flatter dual seat than on previous models. In addition a bigger headlight was fitted and dual flexible engine mountings added to lessen the vibration problem of the J125. The badge mounted on the left hand legshield featured the word Lambretta and 125 within a chrome star. A plastic Innocenti badge was mounted above the horn. Early models featured panel handles which were later changed for the clip on style. Included in the J125 M4 producction figures are those for the Super Starstream or Silver Star, introduced in 1967. In addition to the Starstream frame modifications, this model featured a turning front mudguard and a false horn cover. J 50 (4 speed) Sept. '66 - Jan. '68 (Total production 38,967) Initially produced using the same frame as it's predecessor, from 1966 and following consumer fears over it's safety, a new redesigned, stronger and improved shape was introduced. The new frame featured slimmer legshields and a modifed rear section accomodating fitment of a new style dual seat. As with the 3 speed, Innocenti's economy drive continued and the model retained the four plastic runners, small rear light and 9" wheels with the ommitance of legshield trim, speedo and steering lock. J 50 Deluxe (3 speed) Jan. '68 - Oct. '70 (Total production 28,852) In an effort to increase the appeal of the J50 - the Deluxe was introduced, featuring a single seat (made from fake blue leather) and a pressed steel parcel carrier as standard. Chrome trim accentuated the legshields and both wheel rims and hubs were painted an aluminium grey colour. The Deluxe saw a return of the 3 speed gearbox and in a bid to imrpove road handling was equipped with 10" wheels. The legshield badge remained on the left hand side but with bolder lettering. A 'Deluxe' badge and chrome 3 fingered flash was added to the panels. J 50 Special (3 speed) Apr. '70 - May '71 (Total production 13,599) Production of 125cc models having already ceased, Innocenti introduced a sporty look for their new 50cc. The model retained the 3 speed gear box and 10" wheels but featured a sloped-back seat with a plastic handle situated behind it. Aluminum trim finished off the legshields and instead of runners a rubber mat was fitted as standard. The left legshield sported two badges "Lambretta" and "50", the clip on side panels retained the chrome flash redesigned with five fingers and also a "special" badge. The "special" was never officially imported into the UK. The J50 Special marked not only the end of the J range but more poignantly as the last Lambretta scooter to leave the Innocenti production line the end of an era. SIL Lambretta J125 Cento Just thought I'd tag this one on the end, I haven't been able to find any information on production numbers or dates, but this particular machine was featured in a 1988 edition of Scootering. Available at the time from A.F. Rayspeed for £850.00. With looks based on the Super Starstream, the model featured a converted SX headset, a GP rear light and an updated horn cover. Originally it featured indicators although they have been removed on this one and the standard Indian seat has been replaced. Two colours were available red and white.