Not long after the end of World War II, an Italian aircraft designer named Corradino D’Ascanio came up with a different idea for a small and affordable three-wheeled commercial vehicle, a concept which caught the attention of the Piaggio Group. Initially based on the company’s scooter, the Cespa, the Ape added a third rear wheel and a bed in the back. The design evolved into several configurations and offered relatively easy adaptability, with this 1971 Piaggio Ape here on Facebook Marketplace serving duties as a tap truck. While this one may have a somewhat limited appeal, I can’t think of many cooler ways to dispense beverages remotely, or this contraption would also be fun to show off just about anywhere, even if the hoses remained dry. This one’s priced at $23,500 and located in Cleveland, Ohio, and we’d like to thank reader Ed for providing the fun tip here!
The seller is apparently getting out of his mobile bar business, so he’s trying to find new homes for everything he’s accumulated, and I’m guessing this Ape has to be one of the cooler pieces. It’s a 500 MP model, with the body appearing to be in nearly flawless condition. The blue paint isn’t showing any obvious imperfections either, and as I would expect from a bar on three wheels, this one was likely only used during favorable weather conditions. The trio of super-wide whitewall tires is also a nice touch, as are the white wheel skirts and box on top.
Wherever it’s parked, this Ape is capable of serving up to five different varieties of beer, as that’s the number of taps present on the driver’s side. Unfortunately, the access covers on both the passenger side and back are closed, so we don’t get to see any details regarding the keg placement area. I’m assuming it’s probably easy to get into and restock, and it’s nice to hear that the cart is in great running condition, so hopefully this one will be reliable transportation for getting ale from point A to point B.
The interior is simple but in good shape, and it looks like there’s room for two. With the handlebars in the center, one occupant is likely a better choice, and they’ll be sitting on the right, as that’s where the pedal is located. The seller also mentions that he has a brand new 7×14 enclosed trailer available for purchase separately, should the buyer be interested. I’m not sure how practical investing $23.5k would be for most people here, but this does seem like lots of fun, and perhaps the next owner can figure out a way to sell enough beer to turn it into a money-maker. Any thoughts on this 1971 Piaggio Ape 500 MP?
What a great schtick for a micro brew company! It won’t be going anywhere fast with a Piaggio 500cc hauling five 1/2 kegs (approximately 750 pounds) but it’d sure turn heads.
Gotta wonder about the overzealous rookie doing a traffic stop for it having an open container of alcohol on board..
Great catch, Ed and Cool backstory, Mike.
The weight was my first thought. Even quarter barrels weigh in at ~90 pounds. Add the weight of a CO2 cylinder …
More importantly there’s no description or image of the box’s interior, its insulation, or its cooling system. There’s also no basin/drain under the taps or a location for plastic cups.
Adult beverage licensing varies from state to state but to my knowledge special permitting is required for a licensee to do off-premise sales/service.
This three-wheeled concept might have seemed like a good idea but in reality it’s gimmick which apparently didn’t work.
I would suspect that it would be used just as it sits in front of your 10X20 booth. The eye catching beer dispenser might just pay for it’s self. Hey Nevadahalfrack, this would be perfect at “Street Vibrations” don’t you think?
Exactly my thought, Wayne, as well as the annual Virginia City Grand Prix, and the Laughlin River Run to name a few!
You don’t want to drive too fast after drink in all day either. Put a sleeping bag in it, call it home.
My lordy, this would be the bright star in my shop!
It figures it’s in Cleveland. I’m surprised I haven’t seen this anywhere. Kind of odd the bartender stands outside and works the taps. There is what appears to be a sink inside.
My guess is this was used as a bar back, and not for transport of kegs due to the weight requirement. Park this puppy at the event and put whatever kegs (already cold) in some tubs, ice them down (halfway up the sides of the kegs.) Run the beer lines through a cold plate or jockey box on the way to the taps. Kegs stay outside, on the right or back side. I’ve built/used draft setups like this with good results for beer festivals, etc.
I knew this sounded familiar. A different one was featured here on Xmas Day, 2022. https://barnfinds.com/beer-cart-1977-piaggio-ape-p501/
Must the engine stay on to power the refrigerator unit ?
Saw these all over Italy last summer.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nyIGwEiCI9g
Just very cool and different!
Here, I thought some previously unknown scooter vame to light, the Cespa! How exciting, until one remembers that a fat finger confuses the V for a C on the keyboard. ;-D
That was my thought too ~ never heard of a Cespa but I had a Vespa when I was in high school.
It’s a single passenger vehicle. The pedal on the right is the brake. The accelerator and clutch are on the handle bars.
neat
Fill it up with cheap brew – take to an extended car show – and it how many times it would pay for itself. This is truly one of the neatest vehicles I’ve seen on BarnFinds!!
I’d love to have an Ape but can’t get them licensed in California.