Starts back in 2000 when I acquired my first 1982 P501 Vespacar furgone. Took a year to complete. Months to figure out how it was built, more time to acquire manuals and some parts. I remember when they were first brought into Canada in 1982 and it took me the best part of the first year to find the original importer. He was a great help, is now a good friend, and calls me ‘The Sheriff of Api” (because I find so many of the ones he’d imported).
Black as coal but shiny as well buffed shoes – a mini Italian version of my construction work truck.
It was the start, much the same as is this blog. So, we’ll see where this takes me and my Api. (Italian plural for more than one Ape). I have become an ‘Apista’. – Ken
the first Ape as we pulled it out of a barn.
Had belonged to a friend who owned Pineridge Barbecue and used for deliveries
Motor seized. Pulled it apart, almost every nut and bolt. A learning process
Off to the body shop
After a lot of work she comes out shiny black
A year has passed and it’s ready for the street. Next it’s logos.
#99 for my truck, #.99 for the Ape. Big jobs and little jobs. Logos
Own an Ape and you’re in every Parade
Santa Claus Parade requires Pinguini
Wearing whitewall tires – looks nice after 14 years here in Bayfield
A present to give her husband. Change of logos but #.99 stayed for old times sake.
So – this is the first. More to come – many more – Ken
March 30, 2015
A lot of history with #.99 so I’ll come back to her from time to time to show you the fun I’ve had over the years. Bayfield has become quite the hub for these Vespacars in Canada and USA.
I used to restore English sports cars back in the 1960’s and early 70’s, just lost one wheel along the way but picked up another language and many friends around the World who own these ‘Worker Bees’. Bayfield is the hive I suppose.
Restore one and you’re off and running. Next will be the second P501 pianale that went eventually off to Maine, USA. I will be back here with more of #.99 and its time in Bayfield. – Ken – www.kjjohnson.ca –