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Title: Vespa 400 Post by: smurf67 on August 22, 2008, 11:39:27 am When in France over the Classic leman's weekend i noticed a vespa 400, having never seen one before i was rather interested as it had similarities to the Fiat 500's and joked about fitting a vw engine, however my mate told me this had been done before by he thinks either one of the Vittone's or Dean Lowry :o is this the case? If s has anyone got any information on this car. Regards Alex
Title: Re: Vespa 400 Post by: Rennsurfer on August 22, 2008, 14:50:06 pm I've never heard nor seen anyone putting a VW engine in one. But the engine compartment looks like it'll handle the conversion, room-wise.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Vespa_400_Engine.jpg/800px-Vespa_400_Engine.jpg) The car appears to be much smaller than the average vehicle. Looks like a Fiat that got left in the dryer, overnight. ;D (http://www.vintagemicrocar.com/events/Goulds_2004/images/Goulds_2004/Vespa%20400%20ride%202%20LR.JPG) Even a cabriolet was available. Either way, it would be a fun project car to build. Especially since the lack of weight would allow a small engine size to make the car haul arse. (http://www.vintagemicrocar.com/events/Goulds_2004/images/Goulds_2004/Fiat%20convertible%20LR.JPG) Factory specs...rear engine, rear wheel drive. 2 cylinder, 2 stroke, air-cooled. Bore/stroke: 63mm x 63mm (392 cc). Compression ratio: 6.4 to 1. Transmission: 3 speed, with 2nd, 3rd and reverse synchromesh. 4 speed available in non-U.S. markets. Body dimensions: width: 50 inches (1.27 m). Length: 112.5 inches (2.86 m). Height: 49.2 inches (1.25 m). Weight: under 850lb (385 kg). Track, front and rear: 43.3 inches (1.10 m). Wheelbase: 66.75 inches (1.70 m). Performance: with only 18hp. (13 kW), top speed is 50 to 55 mph (80 to 90 km/h), depending on road grade, wind conditions, etc. Achieving top speed takes a leisurely 25 seconds. G-force performance compared to a 36hp. Type 2 Kombi. Anyone know if it's been done? Whatever you do, just don't do THIS. (http://www.classyauto.com/image.php?image_id=160368) Title: Re: Vespa 400 Post by: smurf67 on August 22, 2008, 15:28:18 pm LOL dont worry dont think id go down the whole v8 root not very me to be honest :D ;D. Would make a great project may look into something similar in a few years want to get the 67 totally finished first but thanks for the info. Alex
Title: Re: Vespa 400 Post by: javabug on August 22, 2008, 15:36:03 pm Whatever you do, just don't do THIS. (http://www.classyauto.com/image.php?image_id=160368) I've seen this car in person. Its mad, to say the least. Would love to drive it, altho I'm sure its not useful for much other than looking like a HotWheels toy. Title: Re: Vespa 400 Post by: Stephan S on August 22, 2008, 15:55:07 pm Seen before in another post...
This is a '60 Autobianchi - about the same size as the Vespa. I talked to the owner 2 weeks ago and he drove it to Bug-In 16! Title: Re: Vespa 400 Post by: smurf67 on August 22, 2008, 16:04:08 pm Thats awsome not to keen on the rear wheels sticking out that much mind
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