Vespa 400

[smurf67]

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  is this the case? If s has anyone got any information on this car. Regards Alex

[Rennsurfer]

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.


The car appears to be much smaller than the average vehicle. Looks like a Fiat that got left in the dryer, overnight. 


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.


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.

[smurf67]

LOL dont worry dont think id go down the whole v8 root not very me to be honest  . 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

[javabug]

Whatever you do, just don't do THIS.

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.

[Stephan S]

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!

[smurf67]

Thats awsome not to keen on the rear wheels sticking out that much mind