A beautiful Lambretta hybrid developed after owner Paul Morrell-Knapton commissioned Claudio Cattaneo and son to build him an LD with a more powerful engine.
The sleek lines of a scooter are sometimes the traits that draw in our attention; and when they're developed by a master craftsman, a broad range of emotions are likely to be stimulated…
The development of this beautiful Lambretta hybrid came about after Paul Morrell-Knapton commissioned Claudio Cattaneo and his son Simone to build him an LD with a more powerful engine. In addition to this, he also wanted the scooter to be built around a 1958 frame, which was the year he was born. Having received Paul’s fairly simple brief, Simone started working on the design and Claudio took responsibility for the build. “We organised a Series 1 frame and looked at how we could develop a body inspired by the LD model,” Claudio explained. Working from Paul’s brief, Simone and Claudio wanted to create something special from almost nothing. “We wanted it to be unique and innovative, and most of all we wanted it to exceed Paul’s expectations. With this in mind, we decided to develop the bike using a broad variety of parts from a Series 1 and an LD, which would also include our own one-off custom fabrications.”
Fabrications
After a great deal of planning and preparation, project LD 2.0 began. “Having set-up the Series 1 frame in the workshop I cut and modified a 1957 LD frame-loop so it would sit perfectly on to it. Also a small but very important part of this process involved extending the bridge-piece so it would make a flawless transition from the frame-loop to the floorboards. The leg-shields, floorboards and rear floorboards are all Series 1 items and the upper parts of the legshields have been modified to suit the LD handlebars.” To add to the cocktail, Claudio introduced some of his one-off custom fabrications which increases the presence of the scooter and develops its unique look. In order to complete this, he heavily modified a Series 2 horncast to fit seamlessly with the Series 1 legshields and the LD light, which leaves the LD handlebars clear. While remaining at the front of the scooter, Claudio also included one of his signature fabrications; an LD mudguard which he modified to fit the Series 1 forks.
Paul’s a big fella, so in terms of seating he opted for a single saddle-style seat, which would give him plenty of legroom and keep his riding position comfortable. “The single seat and the rear leather tool bag were made with aged leather by Python Road, Italy and have been matched to the Ferrari Champagne paint, which was chosen by Simone,” said Claudio. Throughout the development of the project one of the other main objectives was to keep the scooter looking clean and sleek with a vintage style.
The choice of the colour of paint supports this and the only obvious modern component is the digital Daytona Velona speedo.
Upgrades
In terms of the engine, the scooter runs on an Li150 Series 1 unit, which has been fitted with a Tameni crank and Casa 200 kit. The gearbox is also an original Series 1 item with an upgraded Surflex clutch. A PHBH 30mm carburettor takes care of the extra fuel-flow requirements and to deal with this the standard LD fuel tank has been modified and increased in size. To bring closure to the whole set-up the Jim Lomas (JL) KPR3 curly exhaust deals with unwanted gases and adds to the appearance of the scooter.
This project was not only special because Paul had always wanted a scooter built round a 1958 Series 1 frame; it was also special because it was a birthday present to him from his partner, Philippa. “Paul’s had scooters for ages, and over the years he’s bought and sold plenty; and a lot of them haven’t been particularly reliable either! When he told me that he wanted a scooter with a 1958 frame I told him that I’d get him one for his birthday. I also told him that if it was going to be his birthday present from me he had choose something he really wanted, and something which he would keep! We also knew that if Simone designed the scooter and Claudio built it, not only would it look fantastic, it would be reliable too!”
Craftsmanship
Because the quality of the build and the attention to detail throughout this project is absolutely amazing, the development of it could quite easily be described as a case study in craftsmanship. The completion of the process has been an interesting journey for everyone involved. “I know how important this scooter is to Paul and Philippa, and I’m grateful to them for entrusting me with the build. After Paul gave us his initial briefing Simone and I were given a free rein to work from a blank canvas. We used our knowledge, experience and initiative (with a few experiments on the way) to develop the scooter and we hope we’ve produced something special, which is beyond Paul and Philippa’s expectations.”
During the build Claudio offered to send Paul and Philippa pictures of its progress. But because the final reveal was going to be a surprise they declined his offer. Also when the scooter was finished, and to add to the excitement, the plan was for Paul and Philippa to go over to Italy from where they live in France so Paul could be presented with it personally. Paul explained: “It would have been fantastic, but unfortunately due to the Covid restrictions we weren’t able to make the trip. However, we weren’t going to be disheartened, so we organised a ‘virtual’ presentation via video-call, which worked perfectly. The call included Philippa and me, Claudio and Simone and I’m sure that when the pandemic is over we’ll be going over to see Claudio and Simone as well.
“Also while Philippa and I are in Italy, we’ll hopefully be able to enjoy a few late birthday drinks together, along with a late birthday weekend!”
Words: Stu Smith
Feature photos: Gary Chapman Build photos: Claudio Cattaneo
“The single seat and the rear leather tool bag were made with aged leather by Python Road, Italy and have been matched to the Ferrari Champagne paint, which was chosen by Simone.”