I remember bringing home a little Suzuki Wagon R+ when the kids were young.
They absolutely loved it, referring to it as the Postman Pat car (kiddie cartoon).
It makes me wonder what they’d make of this three-wheel Lambretta van from the 1960s?
It’s kinda cool and I could see it being used to promote a business.
Or maybe someone could convert it into the ultimate coffee kart — now there’s a challenge.
The Italian three-wheeled, scooter-based, small commercial vehicle was introduced by various manufacturers in the domestic market just after World War II.
This Lambretta APE ‘utility’ is basically a standard scooter from the seat forward, complete with handlebar steering and controls, with its two rear-wheels chain driven.
These Lambretta APEs were available in various configurations, including a flat bed, utility and van like this one.
Predictably, they were extremely popular with small businesses that required a light load carrier to zip through narrow Italian and Asian streets.
Made in Italy and delivered to India, this 1961 Lambretta Tempo 175Li APE worked for a living on the sub-continent before coming to Australia from India just a couple of months ago.
It’s finished in an attractive brown and cream combination with large ‘Lambretta’ branding on the side, and it’s all in top notch condition.
Inside the metal and fibreglass cab it’s brown vinyl with a chequer plate floor.
The controls are all standard Lambretta, complete with handlebar steering.
Out back there’s a metal delivery van body with a large single rear loading door and, inside, a surprising amount of useful load space.
The Lambretta APE is being offered for sale with its Import papers, unregistered and with no reserve at Shannons Melbourne Winter Auction on July 15.
It’s expected to fetch between $10,000 and $14,000.
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CHECKOUT: Lambretta auction listing