History of the Lambretta FDC 150 Motogiardinetta

Lambretta FDC

The FDC model was launched by Innocenti in 1957 and was the first of the Lambretta three-wheelers to feature a cab. The engine for the FDC was a single cylinder two-stoke 150cc with the same power unit as the Lambretta scooter although transmission ratios were altered to accommodate the maximum output of the power unit.

The engine was mounted vertically on three flexible supports to the main central beam. The chassis itself was created from high resistance steel tubing. The cabin, body and seat structure were welded. The FDC was the first of the Lambretta three-wheelers to come with a pedal controlled reverse gear.

Possible uses and conversions for the Lambretta Utility vehicle were stepped up with the launch of the FDC. Their versatility for adaptation was a huge selling point being advertised as fire engines, postal delivery vans and even Hot dog carts.

 

Ghia, Jollys, Giardinettas and Beach Cars

In 1954 the ownership of Ghia passed to Luigi Segre, previously the designer. With the help of Giovanni Savonuzzi, the Technical Director, Ghia quickly became the most influential Carrozeria in Italian styling. In 1957 Ghia bought Pietro Frua's small coachbuilding company and appointed him head of Ghia Design. 1953 to 1963 saw many international manufacturers commissioned Ghia designs such as the Karmann Ghia, Volvo P1800 and Ford Lincoln Futura concept car. Production was always in low numbers giving greater exclusivity than the other Italian coachbuilders.

The 1950s and 1960s saw the production of the first Beach cars which were heavily modified, bespoke adaptations of small production vehicles. They were popular initially with the rich and famous being used for transporation from their yachts. In a small but lucrative market the number of models avaliable increased with vehicle manufacturers sending vehicles to coachbuilders such as Ghia, Pininfarina and Fissore. Many models were produced only as prototypes but some models went on to have small production runs. The beach cars were an extravagance reserved almost entirely for the wealthy and for expensive hotels and golf courses as courtesy vehicles.

In the late 1950s, Gianni Agnello sent the first Fiat 500 to Ghia Carrozzeria. With instructions to remove the roof and doors and to install a folding Surrey top roof and wicker seats, the Fiat Jolly was born. Many of the first limited production run were made to order and specification but the Fiat 500 Jolly is one of the best known and recognised of the Beach Cars.

In Spring 1958 Ghia designed and built the Lambretta 150 FDC Motogiardinetta for Innocenti. The number produced is unknown but it is believed there were approximately 40 produced. It is known that 20 were provided at the Rome Olympics in 1960, a number were sent to the USA, one to the UK, one to Sweden and some remained in Italy with at least one at the Innocenti factory. Their exact numbers is one of the questions we would love to answer and we hope this information will be found.

 

 

Ghia built a subframe over the existing FDC frame and installed beautifully curved panels to create the skirts and iconic shaped back. There were mechanical and cosmetic difficulties to overcome including rear mudguard fitment, the exhaust, spare wheel and toolbox but every detail was designed and executed to perfection. Angled grease nipples were even fitted to the rear suspension bolts to allow for greasing from underneath the skirts.

The floor of the passenger area floor was constructed of a steel overlay, three aluminium panels above and trimmed with a grey rubber mat held in with aluminium beading. The side and front handrails of steel contruction were chromed. The Giardinetta retained the 'sunshine' roof from the FDC allowing shelter from the rain or air in higher temperatures. The passenger canopy could be folded down behind the wicker seat or when up, fixed with turnbutton fasteners along the roof of the cabin.

The colours the Giardinetta was produced in are exceptionally difficult to say with the lack of colour photographs in the 1950s. Many of the surviving examples were painted over the years for their purpose or in a specific livery. According to documentation the colour was 'Irish Green' although original examples in colours very close to Grigio Alba and FDC Aqua have been discovered. The wicker seat has also been found to be in a plain wicker colour or in Royal Blue. Another interesting note is the shape of the front mudguard. Very early production FDCs had a more curved front mudguard similar to the Lambretta scooters but this was changed to a wider mudguard after a short time of production. FDC Giardinettas have been discovered with both types of mudguard which suggests that the FDCs were not sent all at one time to Ghia (its a theory, and one of our many questions!).

 

Giardinettas in USA - The Lambretta Surrey

Three-wheel convertible passenger vehicle. Introduced as the Lambretta "Surrey" by the Innocenti Corporation, the US distributor of Lambretta scooters and utility vehicles. Advertising boasted the 75 miles per gallon fuel consumption.

Advertised specifically as 'primarily of use at resorts, airports, amusement centers and other places where pleasant short-haul transportation is required'. Several were adopted by golf clubs for use as golf-carts. The wide wicker seat in the back for two passengers and the two person 28-inch-wide bench seat in the cabin was a huge selling point for the golf "foursomes".

The Surrey came with many of the features of the standard FDC, including a large unobstructed windshield, locking doors, a windshield wiper and directional signals. The folding passenger roof provided shade from the sun and protection from the rain and could be folded under the wicker seat when not in use.

The Surrey retailed in the US for approximately $1290

There are some photos of the advertising material and Surrey's in our Gallery section.

 

Rome Olympics

The 1960s Summer Olympics was held between the 25th August and the 11th September 1960. Innocenti placed 100 Lambretta scooters and 20 Lambretta three-wheeler Giardinettas at the disposal of the Olympic commitee in addition to donating ties and ball-pens to all journalists. Designated parking for the Giardinettas was with the scooters at the Domis Mariae Park.

On the 10th September 1960 Abebe Bikila won the Marathon barefoot in a world record-breaking 2:15:16.2. Some of the Lambretta Giardinettas escorted the runners during the race, as pictured here travelling at the front, transporting journalists and film crews. There are some more photos of the Marathon in the Gallery section.

Over the course of the olympics, the Lambretta Giardinettas covered a total of 24,800km