Previously, who among you are still confused to distinguish between Vespa and Piaggio? Because apparently there are still many who can not distinguish between the two brand names. So, Piaggio is one of the motorcycle manufacturers from Italy that has the official name Piaggio & Co. SpA. While the Vespa is a product made by Piaggio which was first launched in 1944. See the company's history HERE.
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| 1953 Piaggio Ape Callesino. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DuQ23R) |
Until now the "Vespa" name is still used for the Piaggio scooter products which have been used more modern engines.
But did you know if Piaggio also has a special three-wheeled vehicle? Its function is more or less the same as public transportation. The name of this vehicle was the Piaggio Ape Calessino, which was made first in the 1950s.
But did you know if Piaggio also has a special three-wheeled vehicle? Its function is more or less the same as public transportation. The name of this vehicle was the Piaggio Ape Calessino, which was made first in the 1950s.
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| The handlebar of 1953 Piaggio Ape Callesino. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/37Vu7RA) |
This unique vehicle was made based on Enrico Piaggio's idea to create a vehicle that is easy to use, economical, versatile, and lightweight for public transportation. Enrico then asked Corradino D'Ascanio, a talented and creative engineer to realize this vehicle.
Historically, this three-wheeled vehicle was created because of Piaggio was inspired by the wooden body vehicles that were trending in North America at the time. As for production not only used in Italy but also in India. So it can also be said that the Piaggio Ape Calessino is one of the forerunners of three-wheeled vehicles made by Bajaj Auto India in that era.
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| Left side view of 1953 Piaggio Ape Callesino. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/37Vu7RA) |
Its front shape is already very similar and even exactly the same as other Vespa scooters. But this three-wheeled vehicle does not actually use the name Vespa, the official name is Ape. It turned out that this was because the back of the vehicle was very different from the Vespa scooters at that time.
The term "Vespa" in Italian means wasp, this is because the rear body of the Vespa is bulging like the belly and tail of a wasp. Then for "Ape" has the meaning of bees in Italian. The name Ape is given because the rear body shape is larger than that of ordinary Vespa scooter.
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| Rear three-quarter of 1953 Piaggio Ape Callesino. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DuQ23R) |
Physically, Piaggio Ape has some differences compared to other Piaggio Vespa scooters available at the time. First of the engine position, where the Ape is located right under the driver's seat. As for the other classic Piaggio Vespa scooters at that time the engine position was located on the right.
Then Piaggio Ape has an additional frame at the rear for installing passengers' seats. The frame is supported by rigid legs and uses a hydraulic suspension. The passenger's seat was later named Calessino and completed the name Piaggio Ape.
If in Italian, the term Calessino can be interpreted as a cart, but in the case, it doesn't use a horse. The point refers to the passenger seat made of wood. As a complement, there are also canvas umbrellas, but unfortunately lacking shade the Ape Calessino driver.
But, if you want to have this unique Piaggio's three-wheeled vehicle maybe you can do a restoration by yourself or through the workshop as seen in the following video. Or might be You wanna see the racing version of Piaggio Ape.
