1980 Commutacar Electric Coupe

Citicar was built by Sebring Vanguard in Florida and was spawned by the first energy crisis of the early 1970s. Production totaled around 2,500 vehicles before the company entered bankruptcy. A successor company soon emerged, Commuter Vehicles Inc., also of Sebring, and produced the CommutaCar. It is believed that around 4,000 examples were produced before production ceased in the early 1980s.

The Commutacars were built atop a tubular chassis and powered by eight six-volt lead-acid batteries capable of producing 5 horsepower. There is direct drive via a differential. The styling is very wedge-shaped, with two doors and seating for two on an upright bench.

The batteries can propel the car 30 to 40 miles on a full charge, and the top speed is believed to be around 40 mph.

This 1980 Commutacar Electric Vehicle was originally sold to Commuter Vehicles of Dover, Pennsylvania, for $6,495. In 2007, all the batteries were replaced, and various other mechanical work was performed.

In 2008, this vehicle was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions, where it was estimated to sell for $8,000-$12,000. It was offered without reserve. Those estimates were proven accurate as a high bid of $11,000, including the buyer's premium, was enough to secure new ownership. The lot was sold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2008