1975 Sebring-Vanguard Citicar

Affordable Electric Street-Legal Vehicle!

Sold with No Reserve! High bidder Wins!

During the height of the first US gas crisis in 1974, the Vanguard Citicar was released by the Vanguard company of Sebring, Florida. About 3,500 Citicars were built from 1974 to 1976, most being built in 1975.

This particular model was made in 1975. These early models had an on board charger to replenish the eight deep-cycle 6 volt batteries located under the passenger seats. This car has large relays to configure three different voltages and therefore three different speeds for the vehicle. The motor is mounted directly to the differential and there is no transmission. The low speed is about 12 volts, middle speed is 24 volts and at 48 volts on flat ground the car will go about 40 mph, which is fine for most city driving.

It is completely Street Legal! You can get normal car license plates just like any other car!

I purchased this example last year in Connecticut, where I was told it had sat in a dry barn for about 20 years. I believe it was originally green but has been painted a metalflake blue by a previous owner. It's a bit dusty but overall in good shape. I had hoped to get it running and on the road for the summer but a variety of factors has left it essentially untouched since I picked it up. I don't want to be "that guy" who keeps a car forever in the hopes of "one day" fixing it up, so I've decided to give someone else a chance to own a piece of automotive history.

I hooked up a 12V battery to the motor and it spun, but I did no other troubleshooting as the brakes were inoperable due to a brake fluid leak upfront. For all I know you could drop the batteries right in and drive away, although I'd recommend fixing the brakes first!

Speaking of batteries, this auction includes 8 brand new US2200 deep cycle 6V Batteries! These alone cost me $600 to buy! They've never been installed in the car.

In addition, I spent another $200 to buy brand new motor brushes as well as a current repair manual that has been completely updated by Nu-Kar, the source for all things Citicar.

The starting bid on this auction is significantly less than the investment I've made thus far - my loss is your gain.

Here are some more photos of this unique and interesting vehicle:

The body is constructed of aluminum and ABS plastic - it's not only lightweight but corrosion-resistant. The black rubberized coating on the bumpers has worn off but it should be easy to reapply.

The glass is all good and there is only minor pitting on the chrome pieces.

The original vinyl windows have been replaced with pull-out Lexan windows, which is actually much nicer than the original design. The Lexan is a bit chipped on the edges.

The interior is in excellent, if dusty, condition. The carpet is good, the vinyl seats are unripped and the dashboard is uncracked. The driver's seat back is detached but the hardware is included to reattach it to the folding hinge. Unfortunately I don't have keys for this car but they're standard items from NAPA or UAP.

The drive system looks to be in excellent condition, but could use a good cleaning. No major damage visible. Note the license plate holder! This is no toy!

Upfront you can see the brake fluid leak from the dryrotted hoses. These would need to be replaced and the brake system flushed, and I bet it would be good to go!

It's still wearing its original white rims and tires!

I have the CT bill of sale and some other documentation, but no title. Cars 15 years or older do not require a title in CT.

I accept payment via money order, bank draft or cash when you pick it up - I do not take Paypal due to the high fees they charge. Payment must be made within 7 days of auction close. This car is being sold as-is and for pickup only - if you want to arrange your own shipping, I am willing to help, but only within limited bounds. If you'd like to see the car prior to making a bid, please send me an email to make an appointment. Game is located in downtown Toronto, ON, Canada.

Thanks for looking!