After World War II, when Italians could ill afford personal transportation, aircraft designer Corradino D'Ascanio, in 1947
, conceived a light and simple three-wheeled commercial vehicle, finding favour with Piaggio.
The first model was a cabless adaptation of the company's two-wheel scooter, the Vespa, adding two rear wheels and a flat utility bed over the rear axle.

Initial models featured 50 cc, 125 cc or 150 cc and more recently 175 cc engines.
By the time of the 1964 Ape D, a cab was added to protect the driver from the elements.

With handlebar style steering (a steering wheel became a later innovation), the original Ape was designed as a single-seater, now able to accommodate two passengers of modest size.
A door is provided on each side, to facilitate entry and exit.
Performance is modest, suited to light delivery, with good torque for hills and a low top speed.
On larger roads, Apes may be driven close to the curb to allow other vehicles to pass.
After World War II, when Italians could ill afford personal transportation, aircraft designer Corradino D'Ascanio, in 1947
, conceived a light and simple three-wheeled commercial vehicle, finding favour with Piaggio. The first model was a cabless adaptation of the company's two-wheel scooter, the Vespa, adding two rear wheels and a flat utility bed over the rear axle. 
Initial models featured 50 cc, 125 cc or 150 cc and more recently 175 cc engines. By the time of the 1964 Ape D, a cab was added to protect the driver from the elements.
With handlebar style steering (a steering wheel became a later innovation), the original Ape was designed as a single-seater, now able to accommodate two passengers of modest size. A door is provided on each side, to facilitate entry and exit. Performance is modest, suited to light delivery, with good torque for hills and a low top speed. On larger roads, Apes may be driven close to the curb to allow other vehicles to pass.
Piaggio Ape