Piaggio Ape

Ape (Italian bee, also known as Vespacar ) is a pickup truck and a dreirädiges the Italian manufacturer Piaggio scooter mobile. The Ape has been made ​​since 1947 in Italy and since the introduction of limited editions in 2007 in India.

• 6.1 scene
• 6.2 Dreirädiger police van as a company car in Germany
• 6.3 wheel from a magazine

History

The three-wheeled transporter series came a year after her "sister", the Vespa (Italian for wasp), on the market. The archetype of the Ape 1947 is actually a Vespa with truck bed with a payload of 200 kilograms. The Ape A has a Vespa engine with 125 cc displacement, which is located under the seat. But it has a 4- speed gearbox, unlike some Vespa types.

The Ape B with 150 cc came in 1953 on the market. This model was built with minor changes until 1956.

1956, the Ape C on the market, the first Ape model with cabin. The Pentaro 1960 is a modified version of the Ape C, but has a higher carrying capacity.

The Ape MP, which was presented in 1967, still has elements of the Ape C, namely the cabin. Otherwise it has been but fundamentally revised. Your engine capacity is 190 cc, they can carry 500 kg. The Ape MP was produced in several versions, 1969, the carrying capacity has been enhanced by 100 kg.

In 1969, the Ape was introduced 50. She was the first ape that falls mopeds in the category. It was built for easy transport, can carry 200 kilograms and is equipped with a cabin.

In 1972, the Ape Car is presented. It has a reasonably comfortable cabin, a 216- cc engine and 550 kg payload.

In 1982 Piaggio an entirely new vehicle with a 220 - cc engine and a carrying capacity of 700 kg, the Ape TM. In 1984, an Ape with a 1- cylinder 4- stroke diesel engine on the market, the Ape Car Diesel. Also this has 700 kg payload and is still offered slightly modified until today.

In 1986, the biggest Ape was introduced: the Ape Car Max It is 1.5 x 2.3 meters tall and wears 900 kg.

1990 Piaggio built the first Ape with four wheels, the Ape Porter with 420 cc and 835 kg payload.

In 1994, Piaggio Ape 50, the Cross Country on the market. The 45- km / h machine has roll bar, bumper bar and radio console.

As of 1995, Piaggio began with the construction of the Ape 50 TL5T, which is very conspicuous by its two headlights. The older models of Ape 50 had only one headlight.

In 1999, the Ape was 50 TL5T detached from the Ape 50 ZAPC which is identical except for minor changes and is built to date.

In 2006, Piaggio at the Intermot the special model APE "Classic" before. The tricycle there are in Europe only in celeste ( mint green ), it has a handlebar. The drive is a water-cooled Lombardini diesel engine with 422 cc displacement. The " triangular file " is produced in India.

Ape 50

The Ape 50 is the smallest model of the Ape family. It is equipped with a rotary valve controlled 50 cc single-cylinder two -stroke engine, which accelerates the vehicle with its 1.8 kW ( 3 HP ) to just under 40 km / h. The newer models have a separate oil tank and oil pump, so that the two-stroke oil does not need to be added to the fuel during refueling. The Ape 50 has a non-synchromesh four-speed gearbox. Is coupled, is connected to a lever on the left handlebar by turning the left handle. In the footwell there is a lever with the gear drive to reverse " tilt " can. Also backwards you can use all four gears of the transmission. The Ape 50 can carry about 200 kg payload. On the drum brakes on the rear wheels acting hydraulic brake without brake booster, which is operated with a right foot pedal in the footwell. The drum brake on the front wheel is operated by a lever on the handlebar to the right by a cable.

The Ape 50 is available in six variants:

• As a simple platform body with steel side walls, the cargo area measures in this model about 1.2 m × 1.2 m.
• Box body with a closed, removable sheet steel box ( dimensions approximately width 120 cm x height 90 cm x depth 120 cm).
• Long steel flatbed with side boards, which is about 20 cm longer than the short trailer.
• Long trailer with aluminum sides.
• Ape Cross with roll bar, front bar, radio preparation and 120 -watt alternator ( instead of 80 - watts, as with all other models).
• Since 2012, all models are equipped with the 120 -watt alternator.
• On request, the Ape 50 is also without the welded side panels available as a platform for individual body structure.

Ape Classic

This Ape is produced in India. It is available only in the color mint green, with a 422 cc glass -cylinder diesel engine, with handlebar controls and with a 2 m long and 1.45 m wide platform with steel side walls from the factory. The maximum load is 800 kg. The Classic is equipped with a hydraulic dual-circuit brake, on all three wheels are drum brakes are used. The Ape Classic has two seats.

Ape TM 703

The Ape TM has been built since 1982. It is available in three body variants:

• Flatbed with 1.45 m width and 2 m in length, with an additional charge aluminum sides.
• Box body made ​​of steel, which is slightly shorter than the platform with nearly 1.8 m and in contrast to Ape 50 can not be removed.
• Hydraulic dump truck with a 1.4 m × 1.8 m large cargo area

The Ape TM is available with handle bar and the only current model with Ape steering wheel. Both versions have two seats. The steering wheel version has like a car on steering wheel, three pedals (from left to right: clutch, brake, gas) and a stick shift ( H) circuit. The differences to the car are the unsynchronized gear, plus extra lever for the reverse gear, which is drawn in the neutral position of the stick shift. As with the Ape 50 you can use all four gears with reverse gear lever pulled.

There are two engines to choose from:

• The water-cooled, 422 cc, single-cylinder four -stroke diesel engine with five-speed gearbox ( with handlebar only four courses) makes 9 kW (13 hp).
• The air-cooled, 218 cc, single-cylinder rotary valve controlled two-stroke engine produces 8 kW (11 hp). The unsynchronized transmission has four gears.

The Ape TM features a hydraulic dual-circuit brake system with a drum brake at each wheel to prevent overheating of the brake drums are located for several years, additional cooling fins on the outside of the brake drums.

The Ape TM achieved with two engines, a top speed of about 65 km / h and can fully laden slopes to 22 % (petrol version) or 23% ( diesel version ) overcome. The payload of a petrol engine and platform body almost 800 kg, the other structure or with a diesel engine a little less.

The specified fuel consumption of 4.5 l/100 km and 5.5 l/100 km diesel fuel is realistic with a forward-looking and cautious driving. The plastic tank holds 15 liters of fuel.

Ape Calessino

The 2007 launched reproduction of " Calessino " from the 1960s, a number of 999 worldwide; of which 200 units were reserved for Germany. It was through the company Bajaj Auto Ltd.. produced in India and has a 422 cc glass, injection indirectly, Lombardini single cylinder four- stroke diesel engine. At 3,800 revolutions / minute it reaches 6.2 kW and a maximum speed of 56 km / h With a net weight of 530 kg and a maximum weight of 860 kg, it has a lower center of gravity than the Ape 50, has a turning radius of three meters and can handle slopes up to 22%. The vehicle has a hydraulic dual-circuit braking system acting on the drum brakes front and rear. The folding roof is made of impregnated, white canvas and is connected by zippers and Velcro fasteners. The doors are covered with the same material with velcro. The dashboard is made of white plastic and has two black and curved bowls. An ammeter, fuel gauge and a speedometer installed - Furthermore, in the dashboard - in a round chrome finish. The equilateral arranged Kunststoffkippschalter used to control lights, windshield washer and the hazard warning lights. The 12 -volt battery with 32 amp hours is located right under the passenger seat while the containers are for the washer fluid and brake fluid for the left and right of the handlebar beneath the dashboard. Fitted with white leatherette seats are folded down in the back part by operating two locks, so that the loading area located in the normal position behind the rear seat considerably increased. Thereafter, the rubber sheet located on the loading surface is lifted, the motor final sheet can be removed and the motor can be maintained. It is driven by a differential on the two rear wheels.

Ape Calessino Electric Lithium

Since mid-2009, " Calessino " is offered with an electric motor which is powered by a lithium -ion battery and a range of approximately reaches 75 km. According to manufacturer's information charging the batteries within approximately four hours over a 220 - volt connection to be made, which until now is not the " connection" is documented. It is maintained by the company that in a repeated up to 800 times of charging the batteries up to 60,000 km running performance can be achieved. The basic optical design is characterized by a white body, a blue canvas top and a corresponding logo on the front entry doors. There should be a limited launch version of 100 pieces.

Ape - Flatbed

New design concept 2008

In spring 2008, a new design concept of Piaggio Ape was presented on the basis of zugstarken TM and was henceforth as Piaggio Apelino in circulation, as the Ape had received in their year of origin lovingly from the vernacular term " Apelino ". The concept was a manufacturer's response to the cult status of the Ape. Environmentally friendly and economical electric and hybrid versions, but also the impetus based on the TM at a maximum speed of 55 km / h and a payload of 600 kg were further developed. Partnerships with companies that are creating the clean air pressure drive, are also sought. Another new feature was that the loading platform by the customer can be converted modularly as a city taxi, promotion or catering Mobile or as usual as a transport vehicle.

Trivia

Scene

In Italy, young people are allowed to drive this vehicle with 50 cc was 14 years. There is a great interest, Ape aufzustylen 50 cc, and the engine to tune illegal. Often the entire engine block is to be processed and used a racing engine with 102 cc or 133 cc. The Italian tuning operations Polini and Malossi make to manufacture many engine parts and cylinder. In some mountain regions of Italy is considered among the youth owning a particularly image pregnant with spoilers, sports exhaust and the like auffrisierten Ape. Sometimes remember these vehicles to small pickups.

Also in Germany grows the scene, there are already some in Germany Apetreffen and round tables.

Dreirädiger police van as a company car in Germany

In the Mettmann district police has a 7 kW Ape TM - put into service and a top speed of 60 km / h - as a panel van ( with back design). The finish and appearance matches the current newest standard of the NRW police. The vehicle has a payload of 700 kg and a turning circle of around six meters and can be used as a universal emergency vehicle used in narrow streets and abgepollerten areas. Mainly it is however used for PR purposes. The vehicle was severely damaged in an accident and now recycled ( public auction ).

Wheel from Magazine

Since September 2009, there is a magazine for owners and fans of the Piaggio Ape. The wheel from a magazine that appears in DIN A5 format four times a year, publishes articles about the Italian Ape. The major areas include not only the technical information and tips and trip reports, schedules, ideas and other interesting from the scene. Currently, the wheel has from a magazine with a circulation of 1,000 copies. The readers are from Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The article applies to the magazine by readers, retailers, and partly through their own research. Is laid around the 36-page magazine from the EVOY Media UG ( limited liability) in Griesstätt.