Kapi
Kapi was a microcar, motorcycle and motorcycle factory located in Barcelona that developed its activity in the 1950s. It disappeared in 1956 after serious financial difficulties.
Origins
Founded in Burgos by infantry captain Federico Saldaña Ramos, it developed a small vehicle that was presented to the Captain General of the VI Military Region, as well as to the civil governor of Burgos, who were pleasantly surprised by Captain Saldaña's ideas. The buggy was quickly registered under patent 194,762.
The name of the brand comes from the diminutive of captain capi, in which the c has been replaced by a k.
Later, the company moved to Barcelona, to calle Valencia 550, where they began their activities, although they later moved to calle Robreño 86. They also had offices at Rambla de Cataluña, 41.
Timeline and models
The company mixed components from various sources haphazardly and without the slightest methodology, making it very difficult to establish a classification of the vehicles manufactured. According to some sources they amounted to 70 and others put their production at almost 300 units. It is also difficult to establish a chronology given the number of models and the lack of documentation.
1950
The first Kapi model manufactured in Barcelona was a four-wheeled microcar with a coupe-like body, a 125 cc Montesa engine and a top speed of 50 km/h. The engine was later replaced by a Hispano Villiers. This model was also going to be produced with a Montesa 250cc engine, although it is ultimately believed that it was not brought to series.
1951
The best-known model is manufactured, the Kapiscooter, a tricycle of which there was also a version to transport goods in 125 cc two-stroke versions with a Hispano Villiers engine (model 125 F) and a 175 cc four-stroke with a Fita engine. AMC (model 175 F4T). In both cases with rear location and chain transmission to only one of the wheels.
1952
Small production convertible model without doors with a 350 cc twin-cylinder engine with 16 HP of power and a top speed of 94 km/h. A 250cc model called the Topolino, predecessor of the Fiat Topolino, is also announced.
The prices of that year were 24,000 ptas for the Kapiscooter and almost 50,000 ptas for the 350 cc model.
1953
Two new models are presented at the Barcelona Trade Fair with open and closed bodies with sporty lines.
The Kapiscooter model also incorporates the 197 cc Hispano Villiers engine with prices ranging between 23,000 and 24,750 Ptas.
1954
Change of the name of the Kapiscooter: the 125 is renamed FV3 with a price of 24,900. Ptas and the 175 model is renamed F4T, with a price of 28,900. The commercial versions would have the same price.
1955
The Chiqui is presented, a nice four-wheeled buggy (not three as it appears in the photos) with the rear wheels very close together and which was sold for 26,000,- Ptas.
Also that year, the 4T 7TR four-seater model with two doors was presented in its Luxury version. It had a price of 32,500,- Ptas.
Four vehicles are announced that year:
- the convertible Kapi 2CV with four and two squares (according to the advertising of the time) with a price of 32.500,- Tits
- the Kapiscooter-based flying saucer but with doors and hard-top as well as more modern lines
- the JIP 2CV inspired by the Jeep (hereinafter his name) that was sold to 21.900,- Boots.
- the M190 a copy of the Mercedes-Benz 190SL that was possibly never manufactured. This year also begins the marketing of motorcycles and motorcycles brand Kapi but built by Dunjó.
1956
After serious difficulties, the company closes its doors.
1958-1959
Units in stock under the Pinguy brand are liquidated. The manufacturing license is sold to Munguía Industrial for the construction of the Goggomobil.