1995 Piaggio APE P501 Blue (BM444)
Exceptional restoration and rebuild to virtually as new condition. The APE was totally disassembled and prepped for refinishing in an attractive mediterranean blue. All rust was addressed and repaired or refinished as required. All mechanical systems, engine, transmission, brakes and suspension were redone. The complete electrical system and all cables were refreshed. This APE comes without any pickup bed or rear compartment fitted. It is ready for customization to your specification or installation of our gullwing box. Every aspect has been inspected, repaired and renewed as required.
This beautiful APE is one of the finest restored units we have ever offered. Every effort and expense has been committed to make this APE as good as new in all regards. The bodywork is very clean and straight, paint finish is deep and smooth in a very attractive color.
Both the engine and the carburetor have been fully rebuilt. It has a 190cc motor and requires manually mixed oil and gas. We refreshed the ignition system, replaced all the old gas lines, and renewed both the gas filter and the air filter. Cleaned the gas tank as a precautionary measure and fine tuned the motor and carburetor. It runs perfect. All lights and auxiliary systems are in good working order. The Interior is in very good condition with new seating cushions and the dashboard is in nice shape. Odometer shows just over 40,000 miles, presumed accurate but TMU.
Overall condition is outstanding and the restoration workmanship is first class. This APE is ready for duty and prepared to deliver long and trouble free service life.
1995 APE P501 Blue
BM444
Offered at $19,250
Price (before tax): $19,250
Make: Piaggio
Year: 1990
Displacement: 190 cc
Inventory number: BM444
License needed: Yes
PIAGGIO APE BACKGROUND:
Piaggio developed the APE ( pronounced "ah-pay" - Italian for "Honey Bee" ) in 1947 as a light duty, urban delivery vehicle and it became an instant success. The APE has been in continuous production since its inception and has been produced in a variety of different body styles in Italy and India. It has a proven reputation as a tough, practical and very economical transport for many commercial uses. The design is based on a very rugged chassis adaptable to multiple body styles/configurations and powered by a reliable and simple single cylinder engine with high specific torque and very low gearing that allows the APE to haul significant payloads at relaxed, but perfectly urban, velocities.
The APE enjoyed continued design evolution and by1965 was quite well developed and very dependable. In many ways it is similar to the latest version actually still in production in India - but way cuter!
The three-wheeled chassis allows the APE to be registered as a motorcycle which is an additional economy. Steering is via scooter style handlebars, and the cabin is roomy for a single driver, but can also accommodate a passenger (with a snug fit). There are doors on each side door, perfect for making deliveries to each side of the road. Parking ease and maneuverability are outstanding.
Performance is well suited to the job of light delivery, with good torque for hills but a modest top speed ( 35 mph ), which is adequate in the urban settings, gated communities or special circumstances for which it was designed. Handling is unique, but serviceable when the limitations of the tricycle layout are observed.
The APE is a very serious workhorse, which belies its cuteness with the ability to provide very useful service in many situations and applications. In Italy, India and other third-world locales thousands of APEs are in daily service and often the favored vehicle for light duty delivery.