c.1955 Vespa APE 3-Wheeler

The Vespa was the quintessential Italian icon of the post-war era, transcending mere transportation to become a fashion accessory for generations of commuters. In addition to building two-wheeled scooters, Vespa also launched a three-wheel commercial derivative in 1947, known as the APE, or "bee" when translated. Basically a standard scooter from the seat forward, the APE comprised a load tray sitting atop twin rear wheels, each chain driven. A differential, torsion bars, back pedal brake and rear wheel shock absorbers were unique to the APE and early examples made do with a 125cc engine and lacked weather protection. In 1953, the 150cc motor was introduced and three years later, the APE Model C arrived with an enclosed cabin. The Vespa APE found favour not only in Italy, but throughout Europe, the Americas, India and the Far East, becoming a latter day rickshaw in many parts of the world. Perfectly suited to zipping around narrow streets with a full load on board and with minimal fuel consumption, very few Vespa APEs have ever made it to Australia and make great promotional vehicles.