The World's Most Badass ... Vespa Scooter?!

Photo: C. Galliani/Wikimedia

Quick, what does the word "Vespa" bring to mind? If you say "cute lil' scooter," you probably haven't seen this image above of the Vespa 150 TAP (for Troupes Aéro Portées), a Vespa scooter modified for use with the French paratroopers in 1956.

It's probably safe to say that this is the deadliest Vespa in the world. The military scooter is powered by a single-cylinder 146 cc two-stroke engine. It sports a M20 75 mm recoilless rifle, US-made light anti-armor cannon, and storage for some ammos. The scooter would be parachute-dropped from airplanes, accompanied by a two-man team who'd scoot along in absolutely menacing style.

The scooters were to transport the gun and tripod - which would be set up on the ground - not to be used as firing platforms! Another scooter would carry ammo. 146 cc. Good luck with that!

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What that two-man team probably looked like, charging into battle.

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