Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
30th Oct, 2024 11:00
1953 Piaggio Ape Calessino
One of only a handful known to exist in the UK
Registration No: Unregistered
Frame No: AB1T 6725
MOT: Exempt
Subject to a complete build over many years by a respected Vespa collector
Offered in running condition, but in need of finishing
An extremely rare early Ape complete with Vespa 98 style fork
Less than a handful of Calessino evocations are known to be in the UK making this a very rare vehicle indeed
Introduced two years after the Vespa scooter, Piaggio’s Ape (Italian for “Bee”) was created primarily to carry goods. The Ape could be configured to meet a wide range of commercial needs thanks to its extremely flexible tricycle configuration, allowing it to serve as a miniature truck or van. Piaggio had repurposed proven Vespa mechanics to create what would become an immensely successful workhorse and are considered equally as iconic. The Ape is still produced today.
The Ape ‘Giardinetta’ was launched in spring 1948 as a people transporter with a rear bench seat that allowed the transport of two passengers. The vehicle was offered with a retractable wide hood that in case of rain or scorching sun would offer shelter. The factory painted the Giardinettas in the same metallic green colour used for Vespa scooters. The elegant coach-built bodies were made by specialised suppliers located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy and final assembly was done in the Piaggio plant in Pontedera. The Italian versions were closed on the sides with a little door beside the driver for access. In 1952 The Giardinetta was renamed the ‘Calessino’ which was upgraded to 150cc for more power. The Calessino became even more famous in 1957 thanks to its appearance in the movie ‘Holiday in Ischia’.
This 1953 Calessino is based on an Ape chassis and still retains the Vespa 98 style fork assembly. There are very few survivors of these given the hard work that most of them had to do and the fact that the fabric hoods and wooden bodies are susceptible to the ravages of time. The rear coachwork was sourced from Italy to the highest and correct specification as were the wheel arches. It will require some finishing mainly to the wiring. Only for sale due to the illness of the current owner. There are no documents but given the clear chassis number and assistance available from the Veteran Vespa Club registering this for the road should be a formality. Less than a handful of Calessino evocations are known to be in the UK making this a very rare vehicle indeed.
