Fresh from the Petersen – 1954 Vespa Ape

In 3 Wheels, Italy, Scooter by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

6-17-17 Update: The former eBay listing says that this was sold on eBay for $25,100 after 42 bids, but it looks like that sale did not go through. Contributor Tim Huber notes that htis is now up for sale here on Craiglist for $30,000, still in Palos Verdes, California.

Every once in awhile you get to see something so unique it just makes you say ‘Wow’. This Vespa APE has been on display at the Petersen Museum for the last 4 years and is now offered for sale.

The Piaggio (Vespa) APE has been in the lineup since 1948. It started life as a simple 3 wheeled vehicle with a flatbed behind the operator. It was designed to move some cargo and goods around post WWII Italy. By 1952 the APE had a pressed steel pickup bed and a 150CC motor. A cab and electric start option were offered in 1956. The APE is currently still available with all production in India where it’s primary use is as a rickshaw to move people.

The 1954 Vespa APE used a 145 CC air cooled two stroke (5% oil mix) motor that made 5.4 HP with a 3 speed transmission. Standard equipment included a pressed steel pickup bed and pretty standard Vespa 150 finish.

This particular 1954 Vespa APE is in Palos Verdes, California and is listed as having been restored over 5 years ago. The listing suggests that the bike is from Bari, Italy where it was used to pick up visitors from cruise ships and lists some issues with the bike as it currently sits. The Vespa APE is currently priced at $1,050 in a no reserve auction

Sources:
Wikipedia
Bike-urious
Motorcycle Specs