Modern Vespa

I read old threads about using an ape as a camper and there were pictures of a concept, one man camper. Last year I decided to try to make a 2 man Piaggio Ape camper. I used the MP600 as the basis, because it is a two seater and has a 600kg payload, as well as a reasonably long truck bed. The project took 6 months including the restoration of the vehicle and the making of the removeable living pod. It has a small double sofa bed, 3 burner stove, tiny wood burner/water heater, solar panel, fridge, sink and hot and cold water systems. I took my vehicle to a vintage vehicle show a couple of weeks ago and was inundated with wonderful comments. If you would like to see it, I have a YouTube video of the project which you can find here . Please feel free to share it with your friends.

If anyone wants to try something like this and needs any advice please feel free to message me.


The Tiny Two man Piaggio Ape camper


Last edited by dippyd on Thu May 12, 2022 6:43 am; edited 1 time in total

Absolutely fantastic! I love it

Very interesting and well executed. Nice workmanship.


Pedantry Alert

It's not ape as in Barbary,it's ah pay as in Italian for bee.

End Pedantry Zone. Carry on.

Thanks for the pedantry note! It is rather a source of amusement. In the UK if I pronounce the word as the Italians would, only Ape owners would have a clue what I am talking about!

I have a really good Italian friend and he informs me that they actually call them little monkeys in Italy, so perhaps I should just call it monkey and be done with it! lol.

Thanks for your nice comment on the workmanship. Regards Steve

Nice camper, welcome to MV from New England.

Nice job and welcome from Ceredigion.
Hopefully spot it one day.

Love it.

That's really awesome! Congrats on a terrific result.

How fast is this with the living pod installed?

The top speed is 40mph. The living pod is really only noticeable on hills. It is possible to fit a bigger piston and sleeve to make is 224cc. The standard engine is 11hp, but with the upgrade it is 15hp. These vehicles are designe dfor torque more than speed.

Wowww. This is amazing. Nice job!

Pretty cool but not really practical. The Ape is designed as a city delivery vehicle. You'd be taking your life into your hands every time you hit the open road.

Very cool, well done.

I can't see it being any more dangerous than a bespoke motorhome. Providing the body is bolted down onto the chassis and you don't sit inside it while it is in motion, I don't see a problem?

I live in Cornwall UK. It has no motorway (freeway). Many of our roads are narrow and winding, without any road markings. The Camper is very practical for that. I agree wholeheartedly with your point on "the open road". I have no intention of taking it on fast roads, but have 1000s of miles and hundreds of beaches to explore in the beautiful county where I live.

If anyone feels inspired to build a camper, mobile coffee, cocktails, craft beer or prosecco, I know of several 2005 Bajaj three wheelers on the West Coast that need new homes

PM as to not distract from dippyd's thread

This is so beautifully done!