Descrição
The Piaggio Ape is an Italian motoring icon, the word ape being Italian for bee. The concept was first shown to the public in 1946. Italy had been impoverished by war and in 1947, aircraft designer Corradino D'Ascanio conceived a light and simple three-wheeled commercial vehicle which Piaggio later put into production. Here was a lightweight, economical form of transport for the many Italians who needed simple, affordable personal transport. The first model did not feature a cab and was derived from the popular Vespa scooter (vespa being Italian for wasp). In continuous production since its 1948 introduction, the Ape was available in numerous body configurations, as an economical light utility vehicle. Over the years engine sizes increased from 50cc to 125 and later 150cc. By 1964 a basic cab was added.
This model, the MPR 500 has the later 187cc single cylinder two-stroke engine and was originally registered in Macerata, Central Italy. Imported to the UK in 2017, we have video of the complete vehicle running and driving (rather briskly!) before export from Italy. The following year saw the completion of a meticulous no-expense- spared restoration to a higher standard of trim and finish than when new. It features a beautiful leather interior and superb quality joinery to the rear. The entire restoration process was fully documented and there is a memory stick as part of the history file with dozens of photographs covering each aspect of the restoration. Since rebuild, the vehicle has been carefully stored and displayed. Remarkably, it has covered less than 50km since then. This is a charming little machine, ideally suited to promotional work, or possible conversion to a mobile coffee shop. Whilst rare in the UK, the classic Ape is a common sight in Italy where its width is well suited to narrow streets, parking is easy, and they often serve as a mobile market stall.
