Lambretta Auto Rickshaw (Kerala Automobiles Limited)

The Lambretta auto rickshaw featured in the images played a significant role in the 2005 Malayalam movie Lokanathan IAS. Today, spotting such a rickshaw is a rare occurrence. Its engine bay was positioned under the driver’s seat, a design shared with earlier Vespa and Bajaj three-wheelers.

Lambretta 3-wheelers were versatile vehicles built on a truck-like chassis. They served as delivery vans, autorickshaws, pickups, and more. The rear suspension comprised a dead axle paired with a compact differential and leaf springs, while the front wheel featured a robust Lambretta scooter-style suspension.

Powered by a 175cc, two-stroke engine with a 4-speed transmission, the Lambretta rickshaw had a unique kick-starter mechanism—unlike the pull-rod starters of Vespa and Bajaj counterparts of that era.