The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The “Vespa bazooka” is the military Vespa 150 TAP, built to carry an M20 75 mm recoilless rifle—not a standard road scooter with a consumer cannon add-on. A sale reported in October 2024 offered one with or without the weapon, but there is no verified current listing or price.
What is the Vespa “bazooka” scooter?
The Vespa 150 TAP—short for “Troupes Aéro Portées”—was a French military scooter adapted for paratroopers. It was designed to transport an M20 75 mm recoilless rifle. Calling it a bazooka Vespa is colloquial: the weapon identified in the report is a recoilless rifle, not a bazooka. New Atlas describes the TAP as a purpose-built military platform rather than an ordinary Vespa sold with an optional accessory. New Atlas’s October 12, 2024 report is the source for the historical details below.
Reported production and specifications
New Atlas reports that French Vespa licensee ACMA produced the TAP in runs in 1956 and 1959, with about 500 examples or perhaps more. The article describes a 150 cc engine, reinforced frame, lowered gearing, use with a trailer, and a reported top speed of 40 mph (64 km/h). These are figures and specifications reported by that article, not independently verified production records or measurements.
Reported military use
New Atlas says the TAP did not see action in Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia and describes its use in Algeria. Those deployment details are claims in that feature; they have not been independently corroborated here.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
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Was the scooter offered with the cannon?
Yes, according to New Atlas’s October 12, 2024 report, Objetmarcant.com offered one TAP for €25,000 with the M20 or €22,000 without it. Those are historical quoted offer prices, not current asking prices. The seller, Marc-Antoine Marcant, told New Atlas: “I think it would probably suit everyone to proceed with a sale without the cannon, as we’re anticipating that the M20 could create some thorny export issues”.
The report does not establish whether the vehicle remains available, what condition it was in, or what documentation accompanied either configuration. The referenced seller page could not be verified, so check directly with a seller before relying on an old offer or arranging a purchase.
Rank #2
- 1:64 Scale Collectible Die-Cast Metal Recommended for ages 3+
- Toy vehicle form: Scooter
- Theme: Motorcycles
- Toy vehicle form: Scooter
How the two reported configurations compared
| Configuration | Price reported in 2024 | What is established |
|---|---|---|
| With the M20 | €25,000 | New Atlas reported the price as Objetmarcant.com’s offer; current availability, condition, provenance and export requirements are not established. |
| Without the M20 | €22,000 | New Atlas reported the price as Objetmarcant.com’s offer; current availability, condition, provenance and export requirements are not established. |
What to check before pursuing a full-size TAP
The two configurations differ by €3,000 in the historical report, but that difference alone does not show whether either offer was good value. For any current listing, ask for documentation and inspect the vehicle and included equipment carefully.
- Identity and provenance: request records supporting that it is a TAP, including its history and identifying details.
- What is included: establish precisely whether the M20, other military equipment, or a trailer is part of the transaction.
- Condition and restoration: ask what is original, repaired, replaced or restored, and request clear photographs and inspection access.
- Location and transport: confirm where the scooter is held and how collection or shipping would work.
- Export and weapons rules: get qualified, jurisdiction-specific guidance before agreeing to a configuration involving the M20. The historical seller expected possible export issues; the report does not establish applicable requirements or imply the weapon can be freely exported.
Looking for a smaller collectible?
An eBay used-Vespa search result surfaced a Maisto 1:18 Vietnam War Vespa 150 TAP miniature. It is a scale display model, not the full-size military scooter, and that search result does not confirm a stable listing or availability from Amazon. View the cited eBay used-Vespa search and verify any individual listing before buying.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Scale: 1:12
- Vehicle brand: Vespa
- Colour: white
Rank #4
- Scale: 1: 12
- Scooter brand: Vespa
- Assorted colors
Rank #3
- Detailed toy model of a Vespa 125 GTS to play with and collect, for both small and big fans of iconic Italian vehicles
- Sturdy and stable design thanks to metal body, True to original profile, Headlights, Very enjoyable rolling due to rubber tyres, Moving handlebars and stand
- Ideal as a gift for children Suitable for birthdays or other occasions, but also as a decorative gift for an adult's birthday or a wedding present
- Can be taken anywhere without taking up too much space, long-lasting fun thanks to the countless combination possibilities in the siku play world
- Contents: 1x siku 1296, Vespa 125 GTS Super, Material: Metal/Plastic, Dimensions: 5.6 x 2.1 x 3.5 cm, Weight: 0.0173 kg, Colour: Mint, Series: SIKU SUPER
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
