Casalini

Casalini is an Italian company, founded by Giovanni Casalini in 1939, that makes mopeds and microcars. Casalini S.r.l. is the oldest microcar producer in the world. The factory is situated in Piacenza.

For the inhabitants of rural villages in southern Italy, see Casalis.
For the surname, see Casalini (surname).

Casalini Sulky
Casalini Sulkycar/Sulky truck

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

History

The factory produced tricycles and moped bikes up until the late sixties. The first microcar left the factory 1969. The Sulky, which at that time was a three-wheel vehicle, was unusual in its class for having a steel monocoque body. It was mostly made for people without a driving license and had an engine with less than 50 cc (a 49.6 cc Vespa TL3 engine). There was also a 125 cc version. 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 Bretta and also had 49 or 125 cc engine options; the larger-engined version has rectangular rather than round headlamps. The Sulky/Bretta have rear-wheel-drive and coil springs, the Bretta with wishbone front suspension.[1] The first Sulky was produced in large quantities, exceeding 10,000 units.

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. The first one of these was 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 have a strong structure, constituted by a frame in steel treated against corrosion and by a composite material body that secures both an active and a passive safety. Visibility is ensured by large glass door surfaces, while disc brakes front and rear increase safety. The speed limitation of 45 km/h further enhances important safety elements. Casalini S.r.l. is present in all markets of the European Union.

  • 2011 Casalini M10 Daytona
  • 2011 Casalini M10 Daytona (rear)

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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