This army Vespa was made on request of the French army. France was involved in the Indochina war in the 50s. A means of transport was needed to transport an anti-tank weapon. The army requested a light vehicle that could be dropped with a parachute. In 1955 Piaggio presented this Vespa TAP. TAP means "Truppe Aero Paracadutate". This was based on a standard 150cc. The chassis was reinforced for heavy military use and to protect the vehicle when landing with a parachute. The scooter was also adapted to carry a M20 cannon (75mm). It was not possible to fire from the scooter, a tripot foot was needed for that. The engine and gearbox was not the standard model but a modified one for driving in the field. Production started in 1956 in France and not in the Italian factory in Pontedera. There are no accurate figures on the production number but 500-700 were made. Very few are left and certainly in original paint as this one!

This TAP here is in original paint (see the remains of the military logos and the French flag at the back), with demilitarised M20 cannon and with overhauled engine. Starts and drives well and everything works like lights and horn.

Extra are some parts for the M20 and the racks for the ammunition.