We've seen it before with Trabants and Isettas and it's no different here with the Piaggio Ape: austerity transportation, which is associated with hard times for those for whom it was the only transportation available, is so much more appealing viewed through rose-tinted glasses. Simple, thoughtful designs require only small updates over the years, which is why the 1990 Ape bears a great resemblance to the 1964 original cab-model.
The Ape 50 could take on a ~400lb payload, and to this day can be found moving bread and pizza around narrow European streets. Another common use is in the municipal vehicle setting - transporting garbage, road repair workers, and more. In developing markets, the Ape find even further uses.
Year: 1990
Model: Piaggio Ape 90
Engine: 49.8cc single-cylinder two-stroke
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 42,800
Price: $8,250
Location: Miami, FL
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1990 Piaggio Ape
Up for Sale is a nice original 1990 Piaggio APE 50. It’s a 2-stoke and is a blast to drive to the car shows or use for a marketing vehicle. Clean FL title! Thanks to the it's cool look, combined with the three wheel, rear wheel drive configuration, Ape 50 is also capable for off road use.
The Piaggio Ape (Pronounced Ah-Peh is Italian for Bee) is a 3-wheeled light commercial vehicle 1st produced in 1948. At the end of WWII, most Italians lacked transportation and finances. The inventor of the Vespa Scooter came up with the idea of building a light 3-wheeled commercial truck to power Italy's reconstruction. The Ape has been in continuous production since its inception. It has been produced in a variety of body styles in Italy and India. The Ape is a common sight in Italy where its compact size allows it to drive narrow city streets and park anywhere. It's often seen at the roadside where farmers use it for an impromtu market stall. This Ape is practical, useful, and very popular.
This Ape is in good condition & was repainted & had some work done to it. Very comfortable & fun to drive! You’d better get used to a crowd forming around you with this car wherever you go. Miles are exempt. I’m located in Miami about 30 minutes away from the airport. Feel free to come see the car in person. Clean FL title. Any inquires email me. $500 non-refundable deposit required within 24hrs of buying. Sold as is. Thanks for looking.
Sourcing parts for the Ape should be easy in most areas of the world, save for the US, where mail-order should make it at least tolerable. The engines see a very heavy load in comparison to a typical passenger car, so we wouldn't be surprised to a shorter rebuild interval than on something like a Fiat 500. That said, the rebuild process should be relatively simple and affordable.
We really like the Piaggio's efficient and simple approach to the task of moving passengers and cargo. We are trying to imagine an environment in the US where one of these works, but the US really lacks in narrow, low-speed streets. In reality, most of these will likely end up in the US to serve as conversation pieces or beach runners. To the few that end up tasking one as a shop runner, we send our approval.