Woodcraft: Not Just For Decoration

The Vespa scooter has a classically appreciable shape. Portuguese craftsman Carlos Alberto managed to fashion one from laminated hardwood. The result is stunningly beautiful. The little scooter is based on an original Vespa which had fallen into complete disrepair, but using long-tested woodcraft techniques a flowing new body was constructed for the runabout. The main spine of the bike is fashioned from steam bent and laminated veneers upon which very nicely carved body work hangs. Even the package tray and seat are made from wood. It’s more than likely this Vespa is now quite a few pounds heftier than when it started out, and the original was not known for its swiftness so despite it’s beauty it’s probably kind of a pig in the performance department. Then again, if something looks that good, we’ll give the zero to sixty times a pass.