To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Miami event, 27 - 28 February 2025.

• The remarkable product of a meticulous, award-winning, father-and-son restoration
• Completed using a number of custom fabricated parts
• Attractively finished in Metallic Grey over red interior upholstery
• Dripping with character; a delightful Italian microcar rarely seen in the United States

Please note that this lot is titled as a Vespa.

Piaggio, well-known for its iconic Vespa scooter, released the 400 microcar in Monaco in 1957 to an enthusiastic response. The new model was built by ACMA in Fourchambault, France to Piaggio’s design. The first year saw 12,000 cars fly off the production line as consumers snapped up the cute microcar. With several advantages over a scooter, the Vespa 400 was perfect for the small cobblestone streets of Europe.

The rear-engine microcar had room in the back of the cabin for luggage or two small children. The pretty little coupe with a rollback roof compared favorably with the stylish Autobianchi Bianchina, apart from its smaller, 400-cubic-centimeter two-stroke engine. The shell was a monocoque, with a unique and advanced strut suspension.

The wonderful condition of this1959 Vespa 400 is the product of a meticulous, father-and-son restoration project. With little access to genuine parts, ingenious measures were taken to refurbish various elements of the vehicle. Uncured brake linings were riveted onto the old brake shoes and then baked, improved sun visors were fabricated, and molds were fashioned to create various interior trim pieces and gaskets. New speedometer glass was hand cut and ground, and custom decals were applied and baked. The owner collaborated with local craftsmen on the upholstery and sheet-metal fabrication.

Once complete, the Vespa began a successful campaign on the show circuit. The owner remarks that during these couple of years, the car would garner immense attention and delight from attendees. The restoration was ultimately awarded a Senior award at the 2022 Antique Automobile Club of America Eastern Spring Nationals, First prize at the 2021 AACA Eastern Fall Nationals, and Best Italian Specialty at the 2022 Pitsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Digital photographs of the restoration, a copy of an owner’s manual, a Vespa Jacket, and a Vespa branded trailer are included in the sale.

A painstaking and detail-oriented labor of love, the immensely well-restored Vespa 400 offered here is dripping with character and will bring joy to anyone who has the pleasure of seeing it roll by for decades to come.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mi25/.