Zagato Zele History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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The Zagato Zele was introduced at the 1972 Geneva Motor Show as an urban electric vehicle conceived to address city traffic and pollution. Production began in 1974, shortly after the onset of the 1973 oil crisis, lending the project unexpected commercial relevance. Its fibreglass body sat on a chassis and suspension derived from Fiat components, and the car was offered in three power variants — the Zele 1000, 1500, and 2000 — denoting battery capacity.
In North America the Zele was sold under the Elcar name and found a modest following during the energy-crisis years. A Nuova Zele followed in 1981 with a larger, more conventionally styled body and additional cabin space. Production of the Zele line continued in various forms until around 1991, with total sales of approximately 3,000 units across both generations — a remarkable output for an era when electric vehicles were considered curiosities.
Generations
Zele (original) · Zele 1000/1500/2000
Compact fibreglass microcar on Fiat-derived running gear; sold as Elcar in the US.
Nuova Zele
Larger, restyled successor; conventional city-car proportions; production continued to approximately 1991.
Body styles
- Microcar
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