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Longtime blog readers will no doubt recognize the Vespa-with-a-cannon variant, which mounted a 57mm cannoncino under the seat and through the leg shield. We'd always believed they were for transporting purposes only, but according to Coys, which will run a 1959 example through its Monaco auction next week, the cannoncino was actually operational. Coys writes:
"Messina has been the site of many historical battles over the centuries guarding, situated as it is in the straits between Sicily and the Italian mainland. From the Carthaginians in 280 B.C. right up to the invasion of the Nazi ground and sea troops in the second World War, this area has been fought over almost constantly. It is little surprise then that the rough terrain needed blue sky thinking when it came to defending towns and the more inaccessible parts of the island.
For quick decisive incursions, Vespa was the ideal vehicle. Reliable, maneuverable and cheap, all that was required was a little armorment. As can be seen on this example, a small cannon was incorporated into the front cowling with additional rocket propelled grenades attractively presented in a wicker basket. Stabilizers were used during firing and all was presented in khaki green. Stored for the last 30 years in a Messina military camp, this Militare is in completely original condition with the exception of the cannon that has been de-activated."
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