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Florida-made 70s electric vehicle discovered after years of neglect, gets new life after washing
The Sebring CitiCar, a small electric vehicle manufactured in the 1970s, recently resurfaced in Florida. Forgotten by many, this car was rediscovered and washed for the first time in two decades, bringing to light a curious and little-known part of the history of electric vehicles.
Below, we will explore the history and characteristics of this peculiar electric vehicle that was a pioneer in its time.
How CitiCar came about and its features
Manufactured by Sebring-Vanguard, CitiCar It was produced between 1974 and 1977. This tiny electric car is only 2,4 meters long, making it ideal for traveling short distances.
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With only 6 horsepower, the CitiCar It may not be the fastest, but its compact size gives it unique agility, a feature that makes it practical for environments urban.
The CitiCar was an attempted response to the oil crisis of the 1970s, offering a sustainable alternative, albeit with limitations in range and speed.
Despite the adversities, it remained in production for about three years, which is significant for an electric car of that era. With a peculiar design, the CitiCar is easily recognized by its square shape and simple lines, which give it a retro look that, today, arouses curiosity among classic car enthusiasts.
Rediscovered and restored
The story of the Sebring CitiCar has recently resurfaced, thanks to the YouTube MAD Detailing, specialized in automotive detailing.
In one of their videos, the hosts showed the process of cleaning and restoring the CitiCar, which hadn't been washed in 20 years. This particular vehicle was brought in by Jimmy from Jimmy's World, another eccentric vehicle enthusiast who once converted Elvis Presley's jet into a camper.
The connection between Jimmy's two vehicles goes beyond their unusual histories; they both share a vibrant red paint job, making them something of a trademark for their owner.
The long history of electric vehicles
Although it may seem new, electric vehicles have a much longer history than you might think. They appeared in the United States even before gasoline-powered cars.
The country's first electric car was developed in 1890, well before the famous Ford Model T, which was launched in 1908 and helped popularize gasoline-powered vehicles. However, as the production costs of fossil fuel-powered vehicles fell, electric cars were gradually forgotten.
Despite not being as well-known as other models, the CitiCar held the record for best-selling electric vehicle in North America for nearly three decades, from 1979 until 2011, when it was surpassed by the Nissan Leaf. This impressive feat highlights the historical significance of the CitiCar and how pioneering it was for its time.
With more than 4.400 units sold, the CitiCar was the EV that stood out best at a time when the infrastructure and popular acceptance were not yet ready for electric mobility.
Today, it is seen as a fascinating relic, representing a chapter from the past that has gained new relevance with the growth of interest in sustainable vehicles.
The Sebring CitiCar is much more than just a small, old-school car; it represents a symbol of the resilience of electric vehicles and the search for alternatives to fossil fuels.
Despite its limitations, this small EV was a milestone in the automotive market and continues to inspire curiosity and admiration. Today, its rediscovery serves as a reminder that the search for sustainable innovation is already a long-standing issue.
