1982 Jet Electrica 007

Direct-Current All-Electric, 20 Batteries
23bhp
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
Front MacPherson Strut with Semi-Trailing Arm Rear Suspension
Front Ventilated Discs with Drum Rear Brakes

*Design by Jet Industries, in conjunction with General Electric
*One of only 50 built
*Combines fine lines and comfort with the economy of electric propulsion
*Advancing transportation through electricity: the future is from 1982

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The Malaise Era of automobiles is not one that is looked back on with admiration or thought. Most cars produced, especially what came out of the President Ford-era have, although sadly, met in the great junkyard in the sky. One must be hesitant in their assertion that which came from the period should be denied a space in our history books. Technologies which today are not just prevalent but expected all draw their ancestry from this vintage.

Ioccoca's L and K series cars can be characterized by their most prideful accomplishment: saving Chrysler. Previous generation F-body Aspens and Volaries paled in comparison to their Japanese rivals. The Omni 024, a car which was then receiving subsidies for research in aerodynamic design, soon took on another assignment: the Electrica 007. During the second energy crisis, the U.S. Department of Energy awarded contracts to four companies to develop and sell electric-powered cars. The ambitious plan called for the production of upwards of 30,000 vehicles. Interrupted by the reality that battery and electric technology was in a most primitive state, along with a later unexpected drop in fuel and oil prices, caused Congress to axe the project, not before however Austin, TX-based snowmobile manufacturer Jet Industries let out a couple thousand cars. By converting traditional gasoline cars, the offered here Electrica 007 is one such example of those Government-backed eco-cars. Based off the already subsidized Omni 024, the 1.7-liter VW gasoline engine, gave way to a 23bhp direct-current electric motor. With 15 six-volt batteries installed in the rear trunk area, it is said that this conventional, yet futuristic car of the past, once charged by its 110volt charger, offers a range of 60 miles and can reach a top speed of 70mph whilst averaging the equivalent of 70mpg. The Electrica, 1 of only 50 known to exist, presents today in a remarkably clean condition with just shy of 2,500 miles on the clock.

The early 1980s brought with it fashionable Ray-Ban glasses, synthesizers, and the departure from badge engineering. The accomplishments from Detroit mustn't go unnoticed as it was this era, with innovative projects such as the Electrica 007, that introduced to the public what manufactures could do even in times of distress.