the Vespa 400

Presumably the luggage rack could accommodate a bigger sized suitcase than the front compartment?

Nearly everybody knows about Vespa motorscooters (see earlier post) from Italy, but the Vespa microcar is probably less well known. The rear-engined Vespa 400 was produced by Ateliers de construction de motocycles et d'automobiles or ACMA in Fourchambault, France, from 1957 to 1961 to the designs of the Italian Piaggio company. Two different versions were sold, "Lusso" and "Turismo".

It was basically a two-seater with room behind the seats to accommodate two small children on an optional cushion or luggage. The front seats were simple tubular metal frames with cloth upholstery on elastic "springs" and between the seats was the handbrake, starter and choke. The gear change was centrally floor mounted. The rear hinged doors had, on the inside, only a plastic lining on the metal skin allowing valuable extra internal space. Instrumentation was very basic with only a speedometer and warning lights for low fuel, main beam, dynamo charging and indicators. The cabriolet fabric roof could be rolled back from the windscreen header rail to the top of the rear engine cover leaving conventional metal sides above the doors. The 12 volt battery was located at the front of the car on a shelf that could be slid out and the spare wheel was in a well under the passenger seat.

The one advantage was a litre of petrol (gasoline) took you about 20 km.

Specifications

Engine: 400 cc (24.0 cu in) two-stroke
Performance: 18 hp (13 kW),
Top speed: 80 - 90 km/h (50 to 55 mph
Transmission: 3-speed manual
Wheelbase: 1,693 mm (66.7 inches)
Length: 2,850 mm (112.2 inches)
Width: 1,100 mm (43.3 inches)
Height: 1,270 mm (50 inch) 
Curb weight: 375 kg (827 lb)