I have a friend from high school who shares my passion for cars; she drives a Nissan Figaro. We recently got together! Right now, she’s traveling around Capri, Italy, and she sent me some photos of the amazing utility vehicles she’s spotted there. I have to share these with you because they seem perfect for their environment, and I haven’t seen anything like them here. I’ve also included a couple of pictures of more familiar cars.
The vehicle that immediately caught my eye was the little utility truck in the first picture. It’s unbelievably tall and narrow, like a phone booth on wheels. This appears to be a Bitimec Electric Utility Vehicle. The basic platform seems adaptable to many forms, even ones that can tow up to four tons!
I love the utilitarian design, with the cabin that looks like roll cage tubing. I also appreciate that they created a distinctive “face” panel for all their little vehicles; it’s a funny little face, but it’s unique to the brand.
The website notes these vehicles are designed for situations where pretty much anything else would be too big; they’re almost exoskeletons for the drivers. They’re electric, and they generate about 6.7 hp; a surprisingly decent amount, given their size. I’m tempted to get one of these for home use, instead of having to walk all the way to the kitchen or bathroom like some kind of…well, you get the idea.
There are also some more familiar Italian vehicles at work on Capri, like this smart-looking little Piaggio Ape. The black one with the subdued white graphics looks like it’s wearing formalwear!
Slightly larger, but also a little working vehicle, are these CO-MA-CA trucks; I think this one’s a Mithos. These are 4×4 dump trucks, using either Kohler diesels that produce 50 hp or a Kohler turbodiesel generating 75 hp, alongside another 75 hp IVECO turbodiesel option. I bet you could turn one of these into a cool camper.
Let’s look at some bigger vehicles. First, a shot that shows why large vehicles aren’t so common on Capri:
Seriously, that’s tight. Are the buses parked? Or driving? I’m not sure, but I wouldn’t want to be driving one. How do those buses still have their mirrors?
Here’s something cool: a Fiat 1107 Nuova Campagnola!
I’m not too familiar with these Jeep/Land Rover-like Fiats, but this kind was made between 1974 and 1987. I’d also love to know what’s up with those taillights; do the pinkish shapes indicate some kind of convoy lights?
Finally, have a look at this handsome fella, a Fiat 130. Based on the Aeronautica Militare lettering on the front fender, it seems to be part of the Italian Air Force. Does the Italian Air Force have a fleet of beautiful vintage Fiats to help with races?
I hope so!
