- Caselani’s new 4PE package transforms the Piaggio Porter NP6.
- Retro design is inspired by the classic Piaggio Ape three-wheeler.
- Powertrain options include 105-hp gas or 201-hp electric.
If the modern Piaggio Porter feels a bit too workmanlike for your taste, Caselani has found a way to inject it with a dose of vintage charm. The Italian coachbuilder is back with another nostalgia-tinged creation, this time drawing inspiration from one of Piaggio’s most recognizable icons, the three-wheeled Ape.
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Called the 4PE, the kit was designed by automotive stylist David Obendorfer and fits onto the Piaggio Porter NP6, which debuted in 2021, as well as the fully electric NPE variant introduced in 2024.
While the visual inspiration comes from the humble Ape, the 4PE rides on four wheels and brings greater practicality, space, and capability than its forebear.
The main element of the transformation is a new fiberglass front section that replaces the original bumper and fenders. It’s a distinctive piece, styled to echo the curved sheet metal of 1970s Italian utility vehicles. A prominent central protrusion, which once would have covered a single front wheel on the Ape, now functions as an air intake for cooling.
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Additional period touches include circular headlights and amber indicators mounted in housings reminiscent of the Ape “P” series from the late ’70s. These classic cues replace the more forgettable stock lighting of the Porter, giving the updated vehicle a more characterful expression.
The rest of the bodywork remains unchanged, meaning that one can have the 4PE in many forms – including fixed deck, dumper, food trucks, refrigerated vans, and other specialized work vehicles.
Familiar Hardware Beneath the Nostalgia
Caselani’s transformation stops at the surface. The platform and mechanicals remain untouched, still based on the Chinese-sourced Foton Gratour V3 architecture.
The mid-mounted 1.5-liter bi-fuel engine is good for up to 105 hp (78 kW / 106 PS) when running on gasoline, sending power to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. Alternatively, there is a fully electric version with 201 hp (150 kW) of power and a driving range of over 155 miles (250 km) in the urban cycle.
Conversion Options and Availability
Buyers interested in giving their Porter a retro facelift can either have the conversion done at Caselani’s facility in Italy or through an authorized external builder. Pricing details haven’t been released, but given the level of bespoke styling involved, we expect a price tag that reflects its boutique appeal.
