In the year 1953, the NSU factory in Dusseldorf, Germany, made a groundbreaking introduction with the creation of the innovative “Double-Lambretta.” This unique small motorcycle was initially conceived with young couples in mind, offering the convenience of expansion by connecting it with another Lambretta to accommodate a growing family. This transformation effectively turned the vehicle into a small car capable of carrying two adults and two children, reaching impressive speeds of up to 78 km/h while maintaining remarkable fuel efficiency at 3.4 liters per 100 km. The timing of this release couldn’t have been more perfect, as the motor scooter began to gain significant traction in post-war Germany, and NSU wasted no time in seizing the opportunity to capitalize on this emerging trend.
h/t: vintag.es
The NSU Lambretta made its debut at the 1950 Frankfurt Trade Fair, manufactured under license from the renowned Italian company Innocenti. With a keen focus on capturing the attention of female riders, the Lambretta was designed to be incredibly fuel-efficient, boasting a consumption rate of just 2 liters per 100 km. The response to this stylish and practical vehicle was overwhelmingly positive, with production numbers soaring – an impressive 1,100 units were churned out in August 1951 alone. As demand continued to escalate, NSU saw tremendous success in the market, marking a significant milestone when production finally came to a halt in 1957 with an impressive tally of approximately 189,000 units produced.
While the early models closely mirrored Innocenti’s original designs, NSU soon began to inject their own unique touches and enhancements into the lineup. The introduction of the NSU Luxury Lambretta brought a touch of sophistication to the range, featuring eye-catching two-tone paint options, elegant polished aluminum accents adorning the rear panels, a sleek front bumper bar for added protection, and a convenient parking light that could be managed from the dashboard. These enhancements not only elevated the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle but also highlighted NSU’s commitment to providing innovative and practical solutions for their discerning clientele.
