Question 690

The first prototype was given the initials MP5 and baptized "Paperino," the Italian name for Donald Duck, a nick-name given to it by the workers because of the strange shape it had. Enrico X did not like the design and asked D'Ascanio to redesign it—which he did with a more aeronautical-derived aerodynamic look.

When the second prototype called MP6, was shown to Enrico X and he heard the buzzing sound of the engine he exclaimed: "Sembra una Y!" ("It resembles a wasp!") The name stuck.

Y is both Latin and Italian for wasp—derived from both the high-pitched noise of the engine, and adopted as a name for the vehicle in reference to its body shape: the thicker rear part connected to the front part by a narrow waist, and the steering rod resembled antennae.

Z, is Italian for bee. This was the three-wheeled variant used for commercial purposes.

Identify X, Y and Z.
Answer: X-Piaggio Y-Vespa and Z-Ape