Did you admire the Dukes of Hazzard when you were a kid? Did you want a snarling, door-welded-shut Dodge Charger with 383 power? Sure, most of us who grew up in the late 70s and early 80s did, but some never got over it and many have created tributes to the General Lee. Today’s example just happens to trade V8 power for an electric motor and a bunch of batteries. Why not?
The Sebring-Vanguard Citicar was a reaction to the first fuel crisis of the 1970s in that it represented a gasoline-free way to commute at a time when consumers had been shocked by fuel shortages. The vehicle is very basic and runs on 6-volt lead acid atteries – good for sourcing, but not so great for output or range per unit mass. Still, that’s what was used at the time. I remember these as novelties in the 70s, which probably means one or two people in Tulsa had them.
These can go about 35 to 40 MPH and the seller estimates range at 15 miles or so. Value for Citicars are generally a few thousand, if in driving condition; so it’s not clear here whether the General Lee treatment adds any value. The market will speak…
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Clermont, FL, USA
$3,051 with five bids, reserve not met and 1.5 days to go
This may be the most extreme example of wedge styling, though it misses the aerodynamic point. Of course, the wedge angle here is largely dictated by the small footprint.
Rear is likely not the most aerodynamic, but we should keep in mind a top speed around 40 MPH on a good day.
The Tom Wopat signature might just be the best feature!
Interior does indeed feature a CB radio, but we wonder why. Certainly, the driver doesn’t really need to worry about speeding tickets or open highway motoring. Also, we assume it reduces the range.
Seating is bench-esque, but we don’t image three across will work, given the width of the vehicle.
The driver and passenger sit atop the batteries.
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The CitiCar was an electric car produced between 1974 and 1977 by a U.S. company called Sebring-Vanguard, Inc., based in Sebring, Florida. Sebring-Vanguard was sold to Commuter Vehicles, Inc., which produced similar vehicles (the Comuta-Car and Comuta-Van) from 1979 to 1982.
This Gem is a early 1975 Model. It is the SV-48 which is a 48v model with a General Electric Motor and 8 6-volt batteries under the driver/passenger seat. This model has be fully upgraded with a new 48-400 Alltrax controller, Updated 25 amp charger with float charging, and all new battery cables. The body is made from ABS plastic from the factory and has a few cracks here and there, the one mainly on the right front marker light.
This is the famous “Dukes of Hazzard” “GENERAL LEE” or “GENERAL E”
Seebring Citicar that has been at many car shows in the south!
This was restored a few years ago and was completed with the “General Lee” Dukes of Hazzard theme. The graphics are all correct font and still sports the Confederate flag on the roof. YES IT HAS A DIXIE AIR HORN TOO!! (Just don’t plan on any stunt jumping while blowing the horn!) As a added bonus, the driver side door was signed by “Tom Wopat” Luke Duke himself!!! (SEE PHOTOS)
The batteries are all still in good condition and range is around 15-20 miles with no issues. The top speed is 35-40 but if you are driving in a residential area of 25-30 is the Sweet spot. It is a great little cruiser! I have had it at a few car shows and it steals the spot light at every one. It is 43 years old so it has some wear on the inside as well as some body issues as previously mentioned.
This car needs a loving home where it can be driven. Citicars are getting hard to find in working condition. A lot of love and labor went into this one to make it what it is today. I am selling as I do not have any more room to keep it in my warehouse. Please send me a message if you have any questions! (PS Daisy Duke Model is not included in this auction!!!)