Zagato Zele

Zagato Zele
Overview
Manufacturer	Zagato
Also called	Zagato Elcar
Production	1974–1976; ~500 produced
Assembly	Milan, Italy
Body and chassis
Class	Microcar
Body style	2-door
Layout	Rear-engine, rear wheel drive
Powertrain
Electric motor	Marelli direct drive
Transmission	Differential
Battery	4 x 12v; up to 8 x 12V
Range	80 km (50 mi) (Official range)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	51 in (1,295.4 mm)
Length	84 in (2,133.6 mm)
Width	53 in (1,346.2 mm)
Height	63.5 in (1,612.9 mm)
Curb weight	495 kg (1,091 lb)

The Zagato Zele 1000, 1500, 2000 (sold in the United States as the Elcar) is an electric microcar with a fiberglass body manufactured by the Italian design company Zagato. Produced 1974–1976, the Zele was an unusual departure from Zagato's famous designs, which had long been known for their beauty and performance. The Zele, however, was high, square cornered and had a low top speed. They were produced in 7 colors (Orange-red, Brown, Dark blue, Pastel blue, White, Green and metal flake Blue) and the chassis and suspension were derived from the Fiat 500 and Fiat 124. The 1000, 1500, and 2000 stands for the wattage of the motors respectively. Approximately 500 were made. ^[1]

The Zele employed a 4 position speed selector and a 2 position foot pedal providing six forward speeds, two reverse speeds and a range of approximately 50 miles (80 km). The Zele 2000 also featured a boost switch which, once at top speed, weakens the motor's magnetic fields in the field coils to produce less torque but a greater top speed. Its top speed was between 25 and 30 mph.

The American importer for the vehicle, Elcar Corporation, also created an elongated four-seat prototype called the Elcar Wagonette.