Vespa

Italian company Piaggio is famous for its classic motor scooter Vespa, in production since 1946. In the early 1950s they also developed a microcar, which was launched in 1956. The Vespa 400 was a two seater with room behind the seats to accommodate luggage or two small children on an optional cushion. The rear hinged doors were coated on the inside with only a thin plastic lining attached to the metal door panel skin allowing valuable extra internal space. It had a 14 hp two-stroke engine of 400 cc. However, Piaggio was concerned about the Fiat 500, a new competitor on the small-car market. It was therefore deemed prudent to move production to their French ACMA scooter plant at Fourchambault, south of Paris. The car made its high-profile public debut in September 1957 at a press presentation staged in Monaco. The ACMA directors ensured a good attendance from members of the press by also inviting three celebrity racing drivers to the launch. The high-profile launch paid off, with 12,130 cars produced in 1958. That turned out to be the high point, however and output fell to 8,717 in 1959 despite a price reduction for the entry level coupé. Production of the Vespa 400 was discontinued in 1961, although its scooters and three-wheelers continue to be built until the present day.