Piaggio Ape D

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Developed as a more practical alternative to the traditional Piaggio-owned Vespa scooter, but without the cost implications of a full-size car, the three-wheeled 'Ape' (pronounced 'ah-peh', Italian for bee) was introduced in its home market in 1948.

Basically a standard scooter from the seat forward, its two rear wheels were chain-driven and it used a specially designed rear suspension system. The Ape was designed to be flexible in its functions and could therefore be bodied in a variety of configurations, including a flat bed, a pickup, and a van.

Predictably, it was great news for small businesses that required a light load carrier to zip through narrow Italian streets. No Italian holiday during the 1970s was complete without the sight of an Italian farmer, his three uncles, grandmother, four small children, a basket of chickens and a soporific pig all loaded into the ubiquitous Piaggio Ape.

The Ape C was introduced in 1956, retaining the 150cc 2-stroke engine of the B but gaining a closed cab section to protect the driver from the elements. It is now highly sought after because of its classic, curved coachwork and low headlamp mounted on the front mudguard, hence the ‘low light’ nickname (‘Faro Basso’). With looks like that, who cared if the height of the lamp, compounded by the jiggling of the skimpy tin mudguard, made it about as useful as a match in a monsoon?

Dating from 1966, the Ape D on sale today retains the cheeky curves of the classic Faro Basso but with the later ‘high light’ improved lighting position just below the windscreen, which gives the pilot at least a fighting chance of getting home safely in the dark. Being sold here as a restoration project, it should keep someone happily engrossed for a good while, a plentiful supply of parts being available from Italy at modest cost.

The under-seat-mounted two-stroke 175cc motor has been run in workshop conditions, but a lack of brakes has stopped further testing of the mechanicals. It has both a manual starter and an electric starter and has a reverse gear box that operates by a lever, enabling the truck to have three reverse gears! It also has a remarkable payload capacity of 205kg.

Sitting in the Ape cabin is a cosy experience, livened up by the thought that the petrol tank is inches from your knee, while the other side of the cabin has a decent-sized cubby hole that could accommodate a serious picnic lunch and a bottle of fizzy Lambrusco to help while away the afternoon heat.

Just imagine what fun it would be to turn it into a mobile espresso machine or deli and clean up at vintage events, bestowing ciabatta and olives on an appreciative crowd. The commercial possibilities are endless.

Part of a collection of small Italian cars amassed by the vendor, this Piaggio Ape D comes with a NOVA form (Notice Of Vehicle Arrival), and a copy of the Italian logbook, and is ready for the new owner to register with DVLA, which will make them the first UK owner in the V5C logbook. Go on, you know it makes sense…