Highlights

Charming 1959 Vespa 400 microcar
Stored indoors in a garage since 2020
Completely original with no modifications

The Appeal

Piaggio's brief venture into microcar production was a high profile affair, beginning on 26 September 1957 at a press event in Monaco, surrounded by motorsport celebrities. It must have seemed rather odd, in retrospect - the Vespa 400 wasn't fast, wasn't luxurious, and was really just intended to carry one thing alone - excellent economy.

Lightweight, diminuitive, and incredibly cheap, this was a natural continuation in the pursuit of utility from the better-known Vespa scooters, and by all accounts proved very worthwhile little cars.

This particular example from 1959 appears to be a well-preserved specimen that the vendor reports is in very good condition throughout. Having been stored indoors and maintained in its original specification, this characterful microcar is ready and waiting for its lucky new owner.

History and Paperwork

Registered in 1959
Purchased by the current owner in 2020
Has been stored indoors in a garage
No modifications have been made to the vehicle
Completely original specification

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The Condition

The vendor describes the vehicle as being in very good order
Bodywork is reported to be in fine fettle
Rollback roof in good condition
Contrast wheels in good order
The underside is described as being sound
Interior is clean and well-kept
Seats appear free of rips and tears
Sole central dial is clean and legible

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The Mechanics

4.0-litre two-stroke I2
3-speed manual transmission
Engine bay in good order
Mechanically standard
The vendor reports that the vehicle runs very well

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand.