![]() The motor is mounted directly to the differential and there is no transmission. The CitiCar has large relays to configure three different voltages and therefore three different speeds for the vehicle. There is an on board charger to replenish the eight 6 volt batteries that are located under the seat. Even though the Comuta-Car would have probably passed the higher standards that all cars in America must pass, the cost for testing and certifying the vehicle line, plus the cost of insuring the manufacturer (from $150,000 to $300,000), proved to be the final death blow.Ī speed of 38 MPH is achievable with a range of 30 to 45 miles depending on the terrain (hills, etc), battery condition and the number of stop and go’s. Perhaps more importantly, the National Transportation Safety Board had increased the requirements for vehicle certification. The average price for the Comuta-Car was $6,500, rather expensive.īy 1980, several things had changed and people were no longer as interested in fuel economy. The Comuta-Car was an instant success and sold over 4,000 vehicles. As luck would have it in 1978 America would have the second major oil shortage of the decade, which resulted in an immediate desire to have more efficient cars. Since Frank did not have the copyright for the original name he called the new car the “Comuta-Car”. The overall shape of the new car looked very much like the Citicar and many of the parts are interchangeable. In 1978 he proceeded to build a new version of the car using both new and existing parts from the Citicar, as well as incorporating a number of electrical improvements. Frank purchased most of the company in-tact, but not the trade names “Sebring Vanguard” or “Citicar”. ![]() ![]() The principal buyer at the auction was a mobile home manufacturer from New Jersey named Frank Flowers. In 1977 the company went bankrupt and was sold piecemeal at auction. This was considerably more than the average gas powered car at that time. The selling price in 1975 was about $4500. A factory was set up in Florida and approximately 2500 vehicles were built from 1974 to 1976. CitiCar manufacturer Sebring Vanguard was formed in 1974 due in part to the mid 70’s fuel crisis.
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