The Vespa 150 T.A.P. was a French-commissioned military scooter, not a gun in scooter form. Built by ACMA for airborne troops, it combined familiar two-wheel transport with a carried 75 mm recoilless cannon. Museo Piaggio says about 600 were made between 1956 and 1959.
What was the Vespa 150 T.A.P. built for?
In the 1950s, the French Ministry of Defence commissioned A.C.M.A.—Piaggio’s French licensee—to produce a vehicle for military use. Museo Piaggio identifies the Foreign Legion and French paratroopers as users of the resulting Vespa 150 T.A.P. The museum’s account describes a military adaptation of a scooter, rather than a purpose-built combat vehicle. Museo Piaggio’s 150 T.A.P. history
ACMA built about 600 examples at its factory from 1956 to 1959, according to the museum. It also says the scooter could be parachuted, making airborne service part of its intended role.
How did a scooter carry a 75 mm cannon?
The T.A.P. carried a 75 mm recoilless cannon, six rounds of ammunition, two fuel jerrycans and a small trolley, as listed by Museo Piaggio. That unusual combination is the model’s defining feature: the scooter provided mobility for equipment and personnel, while the cannon remained a separate weapon. The museum documents carriage of the gun, but does not describe how it was aimed, fired, or deployed in the field.
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#1 Best Overall
- Scale: 1: 12
- Scooter brand: Vespa
- Assorted colors
The source calls it a “75mm cannon (without recoil).” “Recoilless cannon” is a clearer general description of the weapon; it should not be taken to mean the scooter itself was armed as an integral gun platform.
What are the Vespa 150 T.A.P.’s specifications?
Museo Piaggio lists the following specifications for the model:
Rank #2
- DIECAST SCOOTER: Complete or add to your diecast collection with the 1:18 Scale Model Replica Vespa 150 (1970) Scooter. This model moped features true-to-scale detail with rotating rubber tires, working kick stand, adjustable handle bars, and adjustable front wheel.
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED: Metal diecast scooter is 1:18 scale and is officially licensed. This miniature moped is great for collectors, Vespa enthusiasts and more.
- GREAT FOR COLLECTING: Mini scooter is made of diecast metal with plastic parts. Our scooter collectibles will look great displayed with your die cast collection, sitting on a bookshelf, or as a Vespa cake topper.
- MINI SCOOTER: 1:18 scale moped looks like a mini version of the real thing. The perfect addition to your diecast collection, or gift a friend their very own scooter.
- COLLECT THEM ALL: Perfect for diecast collectors, Vespa enthusiast gifts or for use as a scooter cake topper, our diecast dirt bike is the perfect Vespa gift. Not for children under 16 years old. Great for collecting!
- Engine: 145.2 cc, two-stroke, single-cylinder
- Bore and stroke: 58.5 mm and 54 mm
- Brakes: drum brakes
- Weight: 115 kg
- Range: about 200 km
- Camouflage colors: green and sable
The museum gives two different top-speed figures: its history text says 60 km/h, while its technical specification lists a maximum speed of 66 km/h. The page does not explain the discrepancy, so neither figure should be presented as a settled single value.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is documented—and what remains unclear?
The museum’s account establishes the French commission, ACMA production, approximate production run, airborne role, carried equipment and basic specifications. It does not establish a particular combat episode, firing arrangement, tactical doctrine, or whether T.A.P. units operated in pairs. Those details should not be inferred from the scooter’s unusual equipment.
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Best Value
- DIECAST SCOOTER: Complete or add to your diecast collection with the 1:18 Scale Model Replica Vespa 946 (2014). This model scooter features true-to-scale detail with rotating rubber tires, working kick stand, adjustable handle bars, and adjustable front wheel.
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED: Metal diecast moped is 1:18 scale and is officially licensed. This miniature diecast scooter is great for collectors, scooter enthusiasts and more.
- GREAT FOR COLLECTING: Mini scooter is made of diecast metal with plastic parts. Our moped collectibles will look great displayed with your die cast collection, sitting on a bookshelf, or as a Vespa cake topper.
- MINI SCOOTER: 1:18 scale scooter looks like a mini version of the real thing. The perfect addition to your diecast collection, or gift a friend their very own Vespa.
- COLLECT THEM ALL: Perfect for diecast collectors, Vespa enthusiast gifts or for use as a scooter cake topper, our diecast Vespa is the perfect scale moped gift. Not for children under 16 years old. Great for collecting!
Rank #4
- Collectible miniature scooter 1/18
- Each model is screwed on a base, and delivered in a flexible blister shell: see photo
- Very nice reproduction by MAISTO of the original model
- An original gift for any collector
Rank #3
- Scale: 1:12
- Vehicle brand: Vespa
- Colour: white
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