Casalini

45.0346072°N 9.7044338°E / 45.0346072; 9.7044338

Casalini Sulky
Casalini Sulky car/Sulky truck
For the inhabitants of rural villages in southern Italy, see Casalis.
For the surname, see Casalini (surname).
Casalini
Founded1939
Headquarters
Piacenza
ProductsScooter (motorcycle)
Websitewww.casalini.eu

Casalini (founded in 1939 by Giovanni Casalini) is an Italian company that makes mopeds and microcars. Casalini S.R.l. is the oldest microcar producer in the world. The factory is located in Piacenza.

The current line of Casalini microcars have bodies made of reinforced fiber glass plastic. The engine is a 635cc diesel produced by Mitsubishi, with 3.9 kW (5.3 PS).

History

The factory manufactured three-wheelers and moped bikes until the late 1960s. In 1969, they introduced their first microcar called the Sulky. The Sulky stood out in its class for featuring a steel monocoque body. It was primarily designed for non-licensed drivers and equipped with an engine under 50 cc, specifically a 49.6 cc Vespa TL3 engine. A 125 cc version was also available. This car was also exported to France, where it was sold by the local Lambretta distributor as the Willam Sulky.[1] A four-wheeled model with a slightly longer body was also developed, for export only. This was called the Willam Lambretta and also had 49 cc and 125 cc engine options; the larger-engined version has rectangular headlamps rather than round. The Sulky/Bretta have rear-wheel-drive and coil springs, the Bretta with wishbone front suspension.[1] More than 10,000 units of the first Sulky were produced.

From 1994, when Italy accepted the European directive 92/61, Casalini S.r.l. began to produce light quadricycles for sale in Italy as well, starting with the Kore 500. The technical and aesthetic evolution of this vehicle was called Sulkydea (1996), Ydea (2000), Sulkydea LV (2004), and Sulky (2008). Over the past few years, the production of two transport and leisure time vehicles have been added: Kerry and Pickup. In 2010, the M10 was presented, a four-wheel vehicle also available in a sporty "Daytona" version.

Two other connected companies supply Casalini S.r.l. in the production of Sulky, Kerry, and Sulky Pickup: Mech-Plant S.r.l., that deal with metallic composition, and Target S.r.l., that deal with plastic/ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) material. The Sulky (now M10), Kerry, and Pickup models feature corrosion-treated steel frames and composite material bodies. These cars have spacious glass doors, front and rear disc brakes, and a safety speed limit of 45 km/h (28 mph). Casalini S.r.l. operates in all European Union markets.

  • 2011 Casalini M10 Daytona
    2011 Casalini M10 Daytona
  • 2011 Casalini M10 Daytona (rear)
    2011 Casalini M10 Daytona (rear)
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References
  1. Dahlan, A.B., ed. (1981-11-23). "Demam mobil ultra-mini di Perancis" [Ultra-mini-car fever in France]. Mobil & Motor (in Indonesian). Vol. 11, no. 10. PT Informedia Indonesia. p. 12. ISSN 0047-7591.
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