By Christopher Paterson
Motor vehicleThe Vespa 400 is a rear-engined microcar, produced by ACMA in Fourchambault, France, from 1957 until 1961 to the designs of the Italian Piaggio company. [2][3]Overview [ edit ]Vespa 400 with fabric roof retractedThe car made its high-profile public debut on 26 September 1957 at a press presentation staged in Monaco. [4] The ACMA directors ensured a good attendance from members of the press by also inviting three celebrity racing drivers[5] to the Vespa 400 launch. [6] The car's origins, developed by a leading world producer of motor scooters, Italy's Piaggio Company, makers of the Vespa since 1946, was reflected in the installation, in the Vespa 400, of a two stroke (motorbike style) engine which required oil to be added to the petrol/gasoline whenever the car was refueled. [6]Road test [ edit ]Vespa 400 dashboardVespa 400 engineThe British Motor magazine tested a 400 de luxe saloon in 1959 recording a top speed of 51.8 mph (83.4 km/h) and acceleration from 0-40 mph (64 km/h) in 23.0 seconds and a fuel consumption of 55.3 miles per imperial gallon (5.11 L/100 km; 46.0 mpg ‑US ).
When Italian company Piaggio introduced the Vespa scooter in 1946, little did it know just what an icon its two-wheeler would become. In September 1957 the Vespa 400 was revealed to the world at a lavish ceremony in Monaco. At 9ft 5in long the Vespa 400 was five inches shorter than a Fiat 500 (also launched in 1957) and eight inches shorter than a Mini (which wouldn't arrive until 1959). The testers wrote:Helped by the well-sprung seats, ride comfort is unusually good for such a small car. Depressingly few Vespa 400s have survived, with many scrapped decades ago because of a tendency for the gearboxes to seize up.
This 1961 Vespa 400 is said to have been refurbished by the current owner’s brother in 2005. Acquired in 2023, this Vespa 400 is now offered on behalf of the owner with an owner’s manual, a service booklet, and a clean California title. The Vespa 400 was designed by the Italian motor vehicle manufacturer Piaggio and produced by ACMA in Fourchambault, France. The seller notes the battery was replaced in preparation for the sale and recommends the fluids be replaced. The seller notes the transmission fluid was replaced in preparation for the sale.
Brand new stainless steel hub caps for Vespa 400 (1957-1961). Kit consists of 4 hub caps. We also produce Vespa 400 stainless steel bumpers with nose trim and the Vespa 400 exhaust. Combined shipping available. Please email us for a quote.
