Lambretta Model LUI 75 S/SL (Vega/Cometa)

LAMBRETTA MODEL LUI 75 S/SL (VEGA/COMETA) HISTORY

A few months after the Lui 50 was presented to the world, Innocenti launched a new version of the scooter with a larger 75cc engine on the international market. This higher-powered model was aimed towards a clientele that wanted an economic scooter with high performance even when carrying a passenger.

The new model debuted with a lot of fanfare at the 15th Motor Show in Tokyo, where Innocenti was the sole foreign company. Two versions of the Lui 75 were prepared for the occasion that were painted white with a multi-colored floral pattern. After a period in which it was only available on the international market, the Lui 75 was offered in Italy in two different versions, the 75 S and the 75 SL.

The bodywork, the wheels, and the brakes were the same as the smaller model, but the electrical system was more powerful with the introduction of a high beam for the headlamp, a rear stop light, and all around larger lights. Other changes were the longer, two-passenger seat, a raised racing-shaped muffler, and a replaceable paper air filter.

With the increased displacement, the motor was made much more powerful. Its 5.2 horsepower and the new four-speed gearbox made acceleration quicker and hill climbing a cinch.

One of the differences between the SL and the S is the addition if an automatic oil pump to the SL, which kept the motor lubricated. The oil was contained in a separate compartment and was injected by a geared pump towards the piston and the moving parts of the engine. The amount of oil was automatically determined by the rpms of the motor. This was the first time that this mechanism was used on an Italian scooter and was called, "Lubematic."

For both versions, only two colors were available: orange and metallic gray. The only visual difference between the two scooters was the writing on the front legshield and the "Lubematic" written on the side of the gas tank. The 75 SL became the Cometa for foreign markets. Innocenti offered options of a rear rack and turn signals attached to the front headlamp.

With just a few more than 8,000 units produced, the Lui 75 was a commercial flop, especially considering the huge ad campaign by Innocenti to put the scooter on the international market. Even so, the Lui will go down in Italian scootering history as one of the most important examples of artistic expression on a mass-produced vehicle at a low price.