30 October, 2008

Italy: The Ape


The Ape (pron. ah-pay, and meaning 'bee') is 60 years old.

If the Vespa got Italians moving after the war, the Ape got agriculture moving. Essentially the front part of a vespa (which means wasp, incidentally) with the engine over a single front wheel and handlebar steering, it could carry a heavy load of wood or produce for the market.

They are still going today, as everyone who has done a car tour of Italy will testify, whining like an angry bee (hence the name) they are incapable of more than 30 mph and can hold up traffic for miles behind.

The Ape does not require a car licence so those who have lost their licence, eg through failing the eyesight test, drive an Ape. Bless'em.

No comments: