The basic underpinnings of this futuristic model come from the very mechanically simple Volkswagen Beetle. The body that covers the Beetle’s chassis was made from a combination of polyurethane foam and fiberglass, making it very light.
Power for this 70’s bat-mobile comes from a 8 hp (6 kW) electric motor that was matted directly with the car’s drive shaft. The juice comes from twelve 6 volt batteries connected in series to produce a total of 72 volts. The gearstick is not connected to a gearbox, as it only inverses the flow of current when you want to reverse the car.
A separate electric system was created for all the car’s other functions. Thus a 12 volt battery powers the turn signals, funky lights and windscreen wipers. No word on weather any of it actually works but the sell states the car has a range of 50 miles (81 km) and a top speed of 55 mph (89 km/h).
Styling-wise, the car is a bright day-glow orange with a stripe down the side and black bumpers. The 70’s style is evidence in the boxy look with square wheel arches that are enclosed at the back.
The seller is asking $4,200 (€3,016) for this orange predecessor of current EVs. He has also included an article from an old newspaper that talks about Mr. Legrand’s pet-project when it was brand new.
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