Willam City A3- 1969

Carlo Lavezzari, an Italian designer, decided to design a microcar, powered by a 125cc Innocenti Lambretta engine, and built by Scattolini in Italy. He unveiled it at the 1966 Paris Salon where Henri Willame, President of Lambretta SAFD, became interested in it.

From 1967 they joined forces to create Lawil (LAvezzari + WILlame) which would become a clever marketing label for a variety of microcars; some by Lawil, some re-badged from other manufacturers, and all sans permis—able to be driven without a license. Most Lawil cars were produced in Italy and the first one that rolled off the production line was a very boxy economical sedan called the Willam City. It had a Lambretta-Innocenti single cylinder 125cc engine giving it 5.6 hp. The Willam City was the smallest Italian four-wheel car ever built at the time—a little more than six-and-a-half feet long, including trunk. Its squarish body was made of steel and fiberglass, which made it lightweight and easily maneuverable on narrow, busy city streets.

A convertible version, the Willam Farmer, was introduced in 1968, followed by the MK 2 Willam Farmer in 1975. The MK2 had substantially changed, with butterfly doors and a fixed roof. Also, in the early 1970s Willam imported the Fiat 500-based Baldi Frog and the electric Zagato Zele—sold in the United States as the Elcar. Not stopping there, Lawil expanded to encompass other marques such as B.M.A, Casalini, and DECSA. Later, it marketed the 49cc three-wheeler Cyclo, a modified version of the ACOMA Mini Comtesse.

In the 1980’s Lawil grew uncompetitive and faded out of the market. They produced microcars up until 1988.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: Lawil S.p.A.
Country of Origin: France
Drivetrain Configuration: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine: Air-cooled Lambretta single-cylinder; 125cc, 5.6 hp
Transmission: Sequential Four-speed gearbox
Top Speed: 43 mph
Years of Production: 1967 to 1971 (Willam City A3)
Number Produced: Unknown
Original Cost: Unknown