Napa, CA | USA
Description
This is a 1959 vespa 400 microcar with a VW motor and trans. It runs great, current registration clean ca title. This is a great little car and very zippy with the 1350 Vw motor. Needs some love on the interior but is all there and so super rare you will never see another one. Lambretta has a 3 wheel car and bmw makes the isetta but this blows the doors off all of them. The price is firm. ...
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Our Take:
- Microcar Marvel: The 1959 Vespa 400 is a little slice of automotive history, originally crafted by Piaggio, the same folks who made those iconic scooters. This microcar is a rare critter, given it was only produced between 1957 and 1961, and finding one in running condition—let alone with a clean title—is like spotting a unicorn at your local grocery store.
- Engine Swap Surprise: While the original Vespa 400 housed a two-cylinder, two-stroke engine, this particular model's got a bit of a twist. Fitted with a Volkswagen 1350 engine and transmission, it's a bit like giving a cheetah the heart of a lion. You can bet it's zippier than your standard Vespa microcar, likely outpacing its Isetta and Lambretta contemporaries with ease.
- Rarity and Charm: With just 5,039 miles driven, it's hardly stretched its legs over the decades. The Vespa 400 is already a rarity, but throw in this custom power combo, and you've got a piece that's not just rare—it's practically one-of-a-kind. Perfect for a car meet or for turning heads on a Sunday drive.
- Condition and Potential: While it needs some love on the interior, that's half the fun, isn't it? Restoration buffs will find joy in bringing this quirky microcar back to its glory days while enjoying the bonus of that punchy VW power. It might need some TLC, but here's a chance to blend history with a touch of personal flair.