Piaggio Vespa Gigante – ‘51 model, handcrafted in 2011. Replica of the one built by Corradino d’Ascanio for advertising purposes and presented at the 1951 Fiera del Ciclo e Motociclo in Milan in the presence of the President of the Republic. Made in 2:1 scale which, in fact, corresponds to a volume and weight 8 times greater than the ‘standard’ version. Dimensions: Length 360 cm; Width 140 cm; Height 200 cm. Weight: 900 kg. The construction took 8 months, with a total of 2000 working hours, in addition to the design phase. Spacial features: - Bodywork: handmade by panelbeater - Engine: aluminium crankcase castings, handcrafted steel parts (cylinder, fan/flywheel). - Other handmade steel parts: seats, starter lever, brake pedal, handlebars and lever supports, carburettor, fuel cap, air lever - Cast aluminium parts: air grip, handlebar controls, rubber footpeg bar mountings - Custom-made rubber parts with specific moulds: grips, rubber footpeg bars, brake and starter pedal rubber, bonnet seals, clutch cable guards. Two stabilising wheels were installed for safety reasons. Historical notes: Enrico Piaggio’s aim was to make the Vespa part of the ‘Myth’ and he commissioned Corradino d’Ascanio. Playing on the difference between ‘vision’ and ‘perception’, D’Ascanio invented a Vespa that deceived those who saw it. In fact, the human brain didn’t perceive a giant Vespa with a normal person on it, but a normal Vespa with a miniature person on it. The ‘Vespone’ toured Italy for advertising purposes in 1951-52 and was extremely successful. D’Ascanio had thus managed to find a place in the ‘Myth’ for the Vespa. Located in Macerata – Italy. Transport is facilitated by an experienced transporter. The exact estimate of the costs will be notified after the auction. Approximately: up to 1000 km, €1500 – 1000 to 2000 km, approx. €2500. It has some small oxidation spots in some chrome parts (e.g. seat springs). The Vespa Gigante is a sculpture, it does not have any type of working engine, it is not a vehicle The original 1:1 Vespa is not included in the lot.