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1998 Piaggio Ape 50 “50 Anni Ape” TL5T

The Piaggio Ape, sometimes referred to as Ape Piaggio, Apecar, Ape Car or just Ape, is a three-wheeled light commercial vehicle produced since 1948 by Piaggio. At the end of World War II, most Italians, badly affected by the war, lacked means of transport and, more importantly, the financial means to acquire and maintain full-sized four-wheeled vehicles. In 1947, the inventor of the Vespa, aircraft designer Corradino D'Ascanio, came up with the idea of building a light three-wheeled commercial vehicle to power Italy's economical reconstruction, an idea which found favour with Enrico Piaggio, the son of the firm's founder, Rinaldo.

Nowadays, the vehicles come in various configurations such as vans and pickups for load carrying (popular with postal administration in some countries) and an autorickshaw for human transportation (Tukxi). More recently Piaggio have made lifestyle models such as the Ape Cross Country and the Ape Web aimed at the young. The Ape is also commonly used as a promotion tool.

The Ape is still not an uncommon sight in Italy where its compact size allows it to negotiate narrow city streets and park virtually anywhere. In small southern villages, it is also often seen at the roadside where the load area is used as an impromptu market stall by farmers.

Nowadays two model ranges are offered: the "Ape 50" with a 49.8 cc petrol engine and the larger "Ape TM" which comes available with a 218 cc petrol engine or a 422 cc diesel engine. The "Ape 50" can carry 175 to 205 kg (386 to 452 lb) while the "TM" and "Classic" can carry 700 to 805 kg (1,543 to 1,775 lb) (depending on version and engine).
 
 

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