France – ACMA
The Vespa was built under licence by A.C.M.A. in its factory
at Fourchambault. Two models were offered, the 125 and the 125 GL. In contrast
with Pontedera’s 150, the A.C.M.A. version was fitted with an engine derived
from that of the 125 and had different bore and stroke dimensions.
However, the most interesting A.C.M.A. model was
the military Vespa. The project was initiated in 1953 when the French army
decided to replace its now obsolete American Cushman scooters that dated from
the Second World War. 
A
competition was organised with the Valmobile 100, the Bernardet 250 and the
Vespa 150 being entered. The eventual winner was the Vespa and production got
underway in 1956. Designated as the TAP 56 and revised in 1959 as the TAP 59
(TAP standing for Troupes Ae’ro Porte’es), the military Vespa was finished in a
typical dark olive green only and was produced exclusively in France.
It boasted a number of special features, including a
reinforced frame as it was designed to be able to be parachuted. What is most
striking, however, is the presence of a 3’’ cannon protruding from the
leg-shield, while on either side the side-panel were fitted with ammunition
racks. 500 examples of the military Vespa were constructed and the vehicle saw
active service in Algeria and Indochina.
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