FobzyVintage Electric By Zagato On The Auction Block
November 19th 2009 22:38
From: Autopia
“It sat in my garage for eight years,” Valenti said. “As soon as I hooked up the batteries, bang! Off it went.” We dare you to try the same with any other 34 year old Italian car.
The Zele was one of the many electric cars that hit the market after the 1973 oil crisis. “That time in the ’70s was really the missing link,” Valenti said. Even today, he finds the car surprisingly roomy and tight. “It’s huge inside,” he told Autopia. “It’s very stable with nice steering. It rides up high, almost like an SUV.” Not bad for a car that’s just over six and a half feet long.
According to another Zele owner, the car features a Marelli direct drive motor and uses four 12v batteries. Top speed is around 30 miles an hour, with a range of 30 miles. The exterior is fiberglass, while most of the mechanicals are shared with the legendary Fiat 500 and 124.
Valenti, who owned an RV business in Washington, got the car from a co-worker who bought it from its original owner. Even after moving to Nevada with the car in tow, Valenti has been reluctant to sell it. When an eBay auction fell through three years ago, Valenti said, “I was so torn, I decided to never contact the next bidder.”
It’s currently for sale on both Craigslist and eBay
| 31 |
| Vote |
