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Feature: Visiting the home of the Vespa, June 2, 2006

Going Ape - 1948 saw the birth of the Ape, the little three-wheeled transporter derived from the Vespa. Powered by a 125cc motor until 1952, the Ape moved up to 150cc in 1953 when it also appeared in the box body, van and calËche versions. If the original Vespa put the whole of Italy on wheels, the Ape made a decisive contribution to the revival of trade and goods transport in the tough years of reconstruction after World War II, so much so that it became the symbol of Italy at work once more. The Ape went on to be a huge success around the world (where it was marketed as the Vespa Commercial), thanks to its incredible handling and its superlative payload/tare ratio.
Photo ©: Anthony Tan/Cyclingnews.com

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