Saleroom Manager Bill Nelson introduces a standout lot from our Classic Cars sale, the Lambretta TV175.
“Few machines capture the spirit of post-war British youth quite like the Lambretta TV175. Born in Italy and adopted by Britain’s stylish Mod movement, the TV175 became far more than just a scooter; it was a symbol of rebellion wrapped in chrome and two-stroke glamour. From the cafés of Soho in the 1960s to the seaside towns of the Mod revival in the 1980s, the TV175 has remained an enduring emblem of style, freedom, and attitude.
The TV175’s origins
“Introduced by Innocenti in 1957, the Lambretta TV (Turismo Veloce, meaning “Fast Touring”) marked a turning point in scooter design. It was one of the first scooters to combine elegant Italian styling with genuine performance. The TV175, released in several series throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, offered a larger engine and improved suspension compared to its predecessors, making it a serious rival to Piaggio’s Vespa GS.
“With its sleek leg shields, distinctive front mudguard, and a top speed approaching 65 mph, the TV175 wasn’t just a commuter’s ride; it was a status symbol. For young riders eager to escape the grey austerity of post-war Britain, it represented continental sophistication and speed in equal measure.
Mod culture
“By the early 1960s, Britain’s Mod movement was in full swing. Characterised by sharp suits, Italian tailoring, and an obsession with modern jazz and R&B, the Mods were young, urban, and aspirational. Their choice of transport reflected that identity perfectly: Italian scooters like the Lambretta TV175 and the Vespa GS.
“The Lambretta’s clean lines and chrome details complemented the Mod aesthetic. It wasn’t just about getting from A to B—it was about being seen. Riders often customised their TVs with multiple mirrors, fog lights, whip aerials, and custom paint jobs, turning each scooter into a rolling fashion statement. On weekends, Mods would gather at coffee bars and ride en masse to seaside towns such as Brighton and Margate, journeys that became the stuff of legend, and sometimes infamy.
“When the Mods and Rockers clashed in the mid-1960s, the Lambretta became forever linked to youth rebellion. The scooter wasn’t just transport; it was a declaration of identity and defiance against conformity.
From decline to revival
“By the early 1970s, the Mod scene had faded, giving way to new movements like glam rock and punk. But the sleek silhouette of the Lambretta TV175 wasn’t forgotten. With the rise of bands like The Jam, Secret Affair, and The Chords, the late 1970s saw a full-blown Mod revival. Films like Quadrophenia (1979) reignited the cultural memory of the Mods and their scooters, inspiring a new generation to seek out the same machines their 1960s counterparts had worshipped.
“During this revival, the TV175, particularly the Series 3 model with its angular styling, became one of the most sought-after scooters. Collectors and young enthusiasts alike restored and customised these vintage Lambrettas, bringing them back to the streets in droves. The image of a sharply dressed rider on a gleaming TV175 once again became a symbol of cool rebellion.
A timeless icon
“Today, the Lambretta TV175 holds a revered place among classic scooter enthusiasts. Its mix of mechanical sophistication and cultural symbolism ensures its legacy endures. Whether parked outside a 1960s coffee bar or gleaming under the lights at a 21st-century scooter rally, the TV175 continues to embody what made the Mods so influential: a blend of speed, style, and self-expression.
“As both a machine and a cultural artefact, the Lambretta TV175 remains an icon; proof that style and attitude never truly go out of fashion.”