The Innocenti Factory: Birthplace of Lambretta and Symbol of Italy’s Postwar Dreams

The Lambretta story did not end in Italy. It travelled across oceans, carried in the memories, photographs, and luggage of Italian immigrants who came to Canada seeking opportunity and a new beginning. For many families, the Lambretta was more than a scooter — it was a symbol of home, identity, and the optimism of post‑war Italy.

As Italian communities grew in cities like Toronto, Montreal, Hamilton, Ottawa, and Vancouver, the Lambretta became part of the cultural fabric And expanded into Canadian culture. It appeared in family garages, on weekend rides, and in the stories passed down through generations. These scooters represented freedom, craftsmanship, and the spirit of a people rebuilding their lives.

Today, many of those original riders are aging, and their stories risk being lost. Preserving the Lambretta legacy in Canada means preserving the lived experiences of Italian‑Canadian families — their journeys, their resilience, and their contributions to the country.

The Lambretta Club of Canada is more than a scooter organization. We are a cultural preservation initiative dedicated to safeguarding a unique chapter of Italian‑Canadian history. Each Lambretta restored, each story recorded, and each artifact preserved helps protect a heritage that shaped communities across the country.

Our mission includes:

• Documenting the stories of Italian‑Canadian Lambretta owners

• Preserving original scooters, parts, and memorabilia

• Creating a national archive of photos, documents, and oral histories

• Supporting restorations that keep Italian craftsmanship alive

• Educating the public about the cultural significance of Lambretta

This work is urgent. As time passes, the memories of the first generation fade. By preserving Lambretta history, we honour the people who brought their traditions, skills, and dreams to Canada — and we ensure their legacy continues for future generations.

Preserving the Lambretta legacy in Canada is a community effort, and you don’t need to own a scooter to make a meaningful impact. Anyone who values Italian culture, history, and craftsmanship can play a vital role in keeping this heritage alive for future generations.

Ways You Can Support the Heritage Project

• Donate to help fund restoration projects, archival work, and cultural preservation initiatives

• Sponsor heritage programs or community events that celebrate Italian‑Canadian identity

• Share stories from your family or community about Lambrettas and Italian life in Canada

• Contribute photos or artifacts to our growing national archive

• Volunteer to help document oral histories, organize materials, or support events

• Become a supporter member to strengthen our cultural mission and help expand our reach

Support the Heritage Project Through Our Digital Booklet Series

One of the most meaningful ways to contribute is by purchasing our Lambretta Heritage Booklet Series — a collection of digital volumes that document the history, stories, and cultural impact of the Lambretta within Italian‑Canadian communities.

Volume 1 is now available as a digital download for $15, and every purchase directly supports our preservation work, including restorations, archival projects, and heritage storytelling.

This booklet series is more than a publication — it’s a living archive of Italian‑Canadian history, created to ensure that the Lambretta’s cultural legacy is never forgotten.