1954 Lambretta Scooter | London

A 1954 Lambretta Scooter, from the Milan marque that began building scooters in 1947. Lambrettas are known for a tubular steel frame, a rear-mounted two-stroke engine and a gear change on the handlebar. Leg shields and enclosed bodywork give them a tidier shape than an open motorcycle, and the name is closely tied to British Mod culture. This one is green, with green trim to match, a single colour that sits well against brick, pavement or a plain studio backdrop. Its 125cc engine drives a light, compact body that seats two. That small scale leaves plenty of room in shot for the location around it. The period shape suits film and television work set in the 1950s and 1960s, where a small Italian scooter dates a street scene. Fashion and editorial photographers get enclosed lines and Mod associations, while advertising and events gain period detail without it filling the frame. A wedding or personal hire gets a period touch too. The scooter is based in London.