There are few things more traditionally Italian than the Piaggio Ape. The cheeky little three-wheeled pickup can often been seen (and heard) buzzing around small Italian villages and has become as much of a workhorse as a fond employee.
Traditionally powered by a 49cc engine, now Surrey-based tuner Mach-V has launched its first Ape Cross Racing - powered by a 102cc engine and equipped with a roll cage, lowered suspension and handlebars. Why would one want to race one?
"The standard Ape is a fantastic proposition for those who need a flexible commercial vehicle with a healthy injection of personality, low price and maintenance costs; converted for Motability use, it is without rivals in that section of the market," says Malcolm Machu, owner of Mach-V, the newest Piaggio dealer. "The Racing version is a fun way to show and exploit the Ape's potential, not just as a commercial vehicle, perfect for small businesses, but also as an inexpensive run-around with unique capabilities. We sell the standard range as well as versions modified for racing, Motability conversions, electric models and other packages."
We don't know exactly but the likely answer from anyone in Mach-V is "why not?!"