We have seen several of these unusual little battery-powered vehicles over the last few years including one that was powered by a Suzuki GSX-R600 gas motorcycle engine. This 1974 Elcar Zagato is another one that doesn’t have its original EV guts, it’s powered by a Crosley engine! It can be found here on eBay in Amsterdam, New York and the bids are over $1,200 with no reserve.

This is one tiny car. They’re only 7-feet in length and they look shorter than that. One of the flaws with the Elcar Zagato, or Zagato Zele, depending on which country you’re in, is that the hinges typically wear out and/or break. That’s the case with the passenger side hinges, unfortunately.

Someone has a good sense of humor. As always, I would want one in bone-stock original-spec condition rather than a modified one, but to each his/her own. Unfortunately, there are no photos of what is said to be a Crosley drivetrain. The seller says that it runs great but it needs a new electric water pump. Also, it needs a new clutch cable and battery.

There’s really no other place for the engine than in the front, you can see how close the seats are to the rear of this car. There’s no word on what Crosley engine it is, the famous/infamous CoBra (Copper-Brazed) or the later CIBA (Cast Iron Block Assembly) engine, both were 44 cubic-inches and 26.5 hp. The seller does say that this car runs great but the choke doesn’t work so you have to pump the gas, and also there’s no title. But, all in all, any thoughts on this Crosley-powered Elcar Zagato? I never thought I’d say that.