What's a Calessino ???

Piaggio Ape (pronounced 'ah-peh' - Italian for bee ) - a three-wheeler produced in 1948 by Vespa designer Corradino D'Ascanio. It was a light commercial vehicle intended to power Italy's economic reconstruction and has been in continuous production since in Italy and India. With scooter style handlebars and a door on each side - it was suited to light deliveries, with good torque for hills but a low top speed. Outside of town, Apes are customarily driven close to the curb to allow traffic and joggers to pass! Piaggio produced the Ape Calessino ('little cart') 422cc Diesel (at around € 10,000 retail) and then the Electric Lithium (€ 23,000 - batteries included) as limited edition modern versions of the model popular in the 50s and 60s with Italian stars and lovers of the 'Dolce Vita'. It always stands out from the crowd - as you can see below - or via our Calessino Spotters Register.


Saturday 16 October 2010

'Bufalino' Calessino - the future of solo travel ?


'Maite' is very happy with her smart blue and white outfit but I guess she would love to meet this 'uber' cool Calessino design concept produced by a German design student, now studying at the Royal College of Art in London. 





The 'bufalino' by industrial designer Cornelius Comanns is a small camper which is equipped to meet the basic needs of one person.  The concept behind the project is to offer absolute flexibility during periods of travel.  It encourages users to explore the surrounding off beaten tracks.  Meanwhile the furnished interior amazingly consisting of a bed, two seating units, a cooking zone, a basin, storage space, a water tank and a refrigerator offers the comforts of a home.