Model Car Vespa 400 beige number 234 - 1959 Monte-Carlo Rally - NOREV
Echelle: 1/43ème
Equipage: Chavy / Ulleberg
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Discover this Vespa 400 beige number 234 that participated in the prestigious 1959 Monte-Carlo Rally. This NOREV 1/43 scale miniature faithfully reproduces the small car driven by the Chavy/Ulleberg crew during this legendary edition of the Monaco rally.
A true collector's item, this reproduction captures the bold spirit of an era where even the smallest engines dared to challenge the winding roads of the Alpes-Maritimes to claim a place of honor in the most famous automotive event.
Features of the miniature
- Model: Vespa 400
- Brand: Vespa
- Year: 1959
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Beige
- Race number: 234
- Crew: Chavy / Ulleberg
- Protective case included: Yes
The Vespa 400, a revolutionary microcar
The Vespa 400 was born in 1957 from a bold collaboration between Piaggio and the French industrialist Émile Dewoitine. Designed in the workshops of Fourchambault in Nièvre, this microcar was intended to democratize the automobile for the European middle classes. With its miniature dimensions of 2.85 meters long and only 1.20 meters wide, it perfectly embodied the practical spirit of the 1950s.
Equipped with a 393 cm³ two-stroke twin-cylinder engine producing 18 horsepower, the Vespa 400 bravely reached a speed of 85 km/h. Its monocoque body made of pressed sheet metal and its two-person cabin made it an ideal urban vehicle, capable of weaving through the narrowest streets while offering surprising comfort for its category.
Vespa beyond the scooter
When Piaggio decided to venture into the automobile world at the end of the 1950s, the Italian brand already enjoyed a worldwide reputation thanks to its famous scooters. Founded in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio, the Genoese company initially specialized in shipbuilding and aerospace before revolutionizing urban mobility with the Vespa in 1946.
In the context of post-war reconstruction, Piaggio sought to diversify its activities. The Vespa 400 project was part of this expansion strategy aimed at conquering the French market for economical cars. French production also allowed bypassing customs duties and offering an attractive price of 398,000 francs, equivalent to a Citroën 2CV.
David vs Goliath on the roads of Monaco
The 1959 Monte-Carlo Rally will go down in history as one of the most spectacular editions, notably due to the participation of these intrepid Vespa 400s. Imagine the striking contrast: on one side the powerful Mercedes 220 SE and Citroën DS, on the other side these tiny microcars weighing less than 400 kilos!
The Chavy/Ulleberg crew, at the wheel of number 234, perfectly embodies the 'David vs Goliath' spirit that characterized the automobile rally of the time. These passionate amateur drivers didn’t hesitate to take their modest Vespa 400 on the icy roads of the alpine passes, facing the same challenges as the official teams of the major manufacturers.
Legend has it that several of these Vespa 400s managed to finish the event, creating a sensation in the Place du Casino in Monaco. Their arrival was greeted by spectators with as much enthusiasm as that of the winners, as their sporting achievement seemed unbelievable. This participation remains a symbol of the golden age of rallying, when passion prevailed over purely technical considerations.
These participations helped forge the reputation of the Vespa 400’s robustness, proving that even a microcar could meet the most extreme challenges of international automobile competition.
Complete your miniature collection
This Vespa 400 from NOREV occupies a special place in the world of rally miniatures. It fits perfectly into thematic collections dedicated to legendary automotive events and rally vehicles from the 1950s-1960s. Its originality also makes it an excellent addition to French car collections from that period.
Collectors passionate about 1950s cars will especially appreciate this faithful reproduction of a rare model. It harmoniously dialogues with other classics from 1950 to 1979, creating a cohesive set representative of that decade of automotive innovation. This miniature is designed for both car history enthusiasts and collectors seeking authentic and documented models, witnesses to an era when boldness and creativity triumphed over pure performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to understand the scales of miniatures?
Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.
Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.
What scales are available?
Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.
The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).
Does the model car come with protection?
Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.
How is my package protected during transport?
We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.
What is the delivery time?
In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.
The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?
It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.
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