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Piaggio Ape C – a three-wheeled light vehicle built on Vespa technology: single-cylinder engine, kerb weight 740 kg, wheelbase 1,780 mm, width 1,370 mm, built in 1966
The Ape is a three-wheeled light vehicle from the Italian manufacturer Piaggio, built since 1948 in Pontedera using Vespa-derived technology. The C model from 1966 belongs to the early generation of this line.
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The Ape C is fitted with a single-cylinder engine. Kerb weight is 740 kg against a gross vehicle weight of 880 kg, leaving 140 kg of payload. Wheelbase is 1,780 mm and width 1,370 mm; the vehicle rides on three wheels, an unusual layout for a delivery vehicle. The ratio of kerb weight to payload shows that almost a fifth of the gross vehicle weight is available for cargo – comparatively generous for such a small vehicle.
With just one cylinder and three wheels, the Ape is built for the narrowest city streets and short delivery runs, typical of small Italian trade and craft businesses in the post-war years; its slim 1,370 mm width lets it into alleys too tight for four-wheeled vans. The open load bed behind the driver, sometimes covered by a simple awning, allowed fruit, vegetables or tools to be carried straight to the customer.
When buying such an old three-wheeler, check the condition of the single-cylinder engine and its seals, corrosion on the load bed and frame around the rear axle, the steering given the single front-wheel mount, and parts availability through specialist Piaggio Ape workshops.
Sources: SpecCodex-Register: Kennwerte des Modells Piaggio Ape C, Piaggio (manufacturer)
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