FEATURE – 1959 Piaggio Ape giardinetta

Words: Mike Ryan

Photos: Ben Hosking

RETRO REVIEW. This article originally appeared in JUST BIKES #348 – February, 2018

Everyone who knows bikes (and even most people who don’t) knows what a Vespa is. However, knowledge of the Vespa’s commercial cousin, the Ape, is far less widespread.

That’s a shame, really, as the Ape, especially in its passenger-carrying form as presented here, is a charming machine that deserves more attention.

When this unit was listed for sale with JUST BIKES, its rarity and condition caught our eye, so we were keen to find out more about it. Fortunately, the owner/seller Paul Savoy was only too happy to oblige.

Paul started by clarifying that the Ape has nothing to do with primates; it’s actually pronounced Ahh-pay and is Italian for bee. An appropriate name, as the Ape was the “working” companion to Piaggio’s Vespa (wasp) scooter.

Air cooled attraction

Listing the cars and bikes he’s owned prior to this 1959 Piaggio Ape, Paul’s affection for air-cooled machines is more than apparent! A ’57 VW Beetle, along with a later Kombi ute and 21-window Kombi Caravelle all previously resided in Paul’s garage, as did a ’58 Vespa VB1, classic ’63 Vespa GS 150 and desirable ’73 Ducati Silver Shotgun.

More recent (liquid-cooled) metal consists of a 2000 Gilera FXR, 2014 Max Biaggi Edition Yamaha Aerox scooter and 2012 Vespa GTS 300.

The ’59 Ape is special, though, except that it’s not quite a ’59….

Italian Import

While Piaggio Apes were imported into Australia in the 1950s and ‘60s, they certainly didn’t come here in any quantity and most that did were the commercial versions with tray and enclosed van bodies. The passenger-carrying versions are much rarer, and Paul believes that the handful of units in this country have been personal imports. His certainly was.

“The story goes that this 1956-built Ape wagon was imported to Australia by an Italian fellow - of course!” Paul explained.

That original owner likely brought it out soon after it was built, but it wasn’t registered until 1959. Paul believes this is due to the number of additions and modifications that had to be made in order for the Ape to be road legal here. These included rear-view mirrors, indicators front and rear, as well as dual brake and tail lights.

“The Ape Station Wagon left the factory without any of these features, except for a single taillight/brake light that served as a number plate light, too.”

Thus, because it wasn’t approved by the NSW RTA until 1959, it’s officially listed as a 1959 model, despite being a few years older.

“Going by the VIN and engine numbers and factory records, it’s clear that the motor was assembled in 1955 and the chassis was assembled in 1956.”

That places this machine on the cusp of the ‘B’ and ‘C’ model series in Ape history.

Alphabet Soup

Introduced in 1948 as the Ape A, Piaggio’s first three-wheeler was almost identical to its Vespa cousin forward of the saddle, but very  different behind. Moving the engine, a 125cc single, directly under the seat (rather than slung over the back wheel like on the Vespa) allowed for the distinctive back end arrangement, which consisted of a differential and twin drive chains to the rear wheels, with suspension by torsion bars.

Ape buyers in 1948 could choose between a tray or enclosed van body, both made of timber and capable of carrying 200kg. The giardinetta (station wagon) version came a year later, using a similar timber-framed rear body section with a bench seat for two people and rudimentary weather protection in the form of a folding canvas hood.

The first Ape upgrade came with the ‘B’ model in 1953, which increased engine capacity to 150cc, switched the position of the front suspension and added cable-operated gearchanging. The Ape ‘C’ followed in 1956, swapping the saddle for a small bench seat, adding reverse gear and electric starting, as well as a fully-enclosed cabin.  

While the ‘working’ Apes got a cabin, giardinettas remained open, albeit with a canvas top for driver and passengers. Paul’s wagon does have the optional reverse gear and electric starting, though.

When the Ape C debuted in 1956, Piaggio was the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, with output that year of more than 220,000 vehicles. The millionth Vespa was also produced in 1956, coming ten years after the first and only two and a half years after the half-millionth scooter had rolled off the Pontedera production lines.

While Ape production was small compared to the worldwide phenomenon that was the Vespa, it remained an important model in Piaggio’s range, becoming a staple of  farms and small businesses in Italy, and regularly accounting for around 10 per cent of Piaggio’s total production.

In 1964, the Ape C was replaced by the D, with an E model following, then P, TM, MP and many others, including a 50cc version that could be driven in Italy without a licence or registration. Articulated trailer versions and a four-wheeled model were also produced, as well as diesel-engined and even electric-powered variants.

The giardinetta was a constant throughout this progression and while production in Pontedera came to an end in 2013, these wagons continue to be built in Piaggio’s Indian factory, although they’re better known now as the ‘Calessino’; a model name introduced in 2007 but one that has its origins in the Italian word for a light horse-drawn cart of similar configuration.

Pleasure Machine

While most Ape pickups and vans worked long and hard, wagons led a more sheltered life and became a favourite with the tourist sector.

“Ape wagons would be used to take guests holidaying at coastal resorts - predominantly Italy and its neighbouring islands - to the beach, then bring them back to the hotel after their day’s sojourn,” Paul explained.

“Between jobs, the young driver would cruise up and down the coastal promenade checking out and chatting to the local talent!”

Ape giardinettas could also be found at marinas (as shore lighters), sports centres, golf courses and even theme parks as transport for both visitors and staff.

Whether Paul’s Ape served a similar role in its early years here in Australia is unknown, but it would have certainly looked right at home at a ritzy marina or waterfront hotel back then.

What you’re looking at now is somewhat different to how this Ape was originally presented and certainly a long way removed from the condition it was in when Paul bought it.

Back to Life, Black to White

Found in a suburban Sydney backyard in 2015, the giardinetta was mostly complete, but in need of major refurbishment and correction of some non-authentic features.

Also worth noting here is that this Ape was finished with a metal rear body section. This isn’t authentic either, but was a practical change made decades earlier.

“The story goes that the original owner’s son decided to remove the timber carriage – that had perished in the combination of Australian sun and Sydney summer humidity - and had a local sheet metal worker replicate the entire rear carriage in sheet metal,” Paul explained.

Not included in this refabricated body were the passenger doors that were also originally made of timber.

When Paul purchased the Ape in 2015, the factory metal front end and custom metal back end looked in good nick, but he had the lot removed and sent to ReadyStrip in Blacktown. Thankfully, the media blasting revealed no panel damage or rust whatsoever.

Painting was entrusted to Sam Pannetone and the colour chosen is actually a C1962 Fiat white. Paul had hoped to accurately replicate the C1956 Piaggio factory paint, but Sam’s computerised paint code database only went back as far as 1960 – at least it was still Italian! The frame, rear suspension and other parts also got the same Fiat white.

The engine, clutch and transmission were completely stripped down and inspected before refitting. Compression was surprisingly good and the Ape’s minimal use over the years was reflected in the condition of the clutch and gearbox, too. However, the muffler was repacked to increase backpressure and reduce exhaust noise, while the brakes were fully rebuilt and all rubbers, gaskets and seals replaced.

“All these parts are remade in Italy or India nowadays,” Paul said. “If you have done the research you can obtain almost everything you need.”

Whitewall tyres in the correct 8-inch size came via similar online sources, as did the attractive hubcaps from AMS Cuppini, an Italian company that’s been producing scooter accessories since the 1950s.

“With the chrome components, if they weren’t beyond repair, they were polished or re-chromed. Chrome or aluminium that was beyond restoration I was able to purchase NOS from two separate Italian suppliers.”

One of the final jobs in what proved to be a 12-month restoration was the replacement of the seat trim and hood. In the hands of the second or third owner, the seat had been retrimmed in tan vinyl and the folding hood remade in black. Neither of these were period correct, according to Paul, and JUST BIKES’ own research backs that up. They were in poor condition anyway, worn and sun-faded, so replacing them wasn’t an issue.

The new trim consisted of a beige hood, with blue carpet and a bold blue vinyl for the front and rear seats, highlighted with white buttons and piping. It’s a good choice, complementing the paint and picking up on the painted centres of those hubcaps, too.

Bee creates a Buzz

Since the restoration was completed, Paul says the Ape never fails to attract attention when he takes it out.
“Everyone that sees it smiles. Little children want to be taken for a spin around the block and, young or old, everyone else wants to get close to it and get a photo next to this rare and unusual Ape.”
But there are other restorations to be done. “I have more Vespa projects that I would like to complete before I get too old and crusty,” Paul laughed.

As well as a personal ride or addition to a Vespa enthusiast’s collection, Paul believes this trike also has great potential as a professional vehicle, be it a coffee cart, tourist transport, wedding reception shuttle (and photo prop!), or simply as an eye-catching mobile billboard for a business of any type.

Paul adds that, due to its caged and covered construction, no helmets are required for rider or passenger in NSW, but any interstate purchaser would be advised to check their state’s registration and licensing requirements for a vehicle like this.

It’s rare to see an Ape of this vintage - and especially in this condition - so we’re fortunate to be able to feature this machine here and thank Paul for sharing its story with us.

This article originally appeared in JUST BIKES #348 – February, 2018