CAP Super Scoiattolo
The Super Scoiattolo was the four-wheel-drive development of the Fiat 500-based Scoiattolo, built by Carrozzeria Arrigo Perini, or CAP, in northern Italy. It was introduced in 1969 at the Turin Auto Show as a more capable version of the compact leisure and utility vehicle.
The Super Scoiattolo retained the characteristic open-bodied design of the standard model, with its simple, upright styling and removable canvas roof. Its body was designed for practical use rather than decoration, while the folding windscreen allowed the vehicle to be driven in a fully open configuration. The compact dimensions and Fiat-based mechanical components kept the concept relatively simple.
One of the changes required by the revised front end concerned the spare wheel. Because the new nose left insufficient space for it, CAP developed an external steel carrier mounted on the right-hand rear side of the body. The bracket could be swung away from the engine compartment when access to the mechanical components was needed.
Production of the Super Scoiattolo was extremely limited. Approximately 50 examples are believed to have been built before production ended. The model formed only a small part of the Scoiattolo programme, which also included the standard two-wheel-drive version based on Fiat 500 components.
After the company changed ownership, later versions of the vehicle incorporated Fiat 126 mechanical components. These included the engine and transmission, while the Fiat 500 provided other parts such as the wheel rims, rim bolt pattern and headlights. The body construction was also changed from steel sheet to glass-fibre-reinforced plastic, with steel elements added for reinforcement.
A later development was the Scoiattolo Super 26 S, a 1978 model based on Fiat 126 and Fiat 500 components. Its equipment included independent suspension, stabilisers, McPherson struts and front disc brakes. A manually operated traction-control system used separate hand brakes for the rear wheels.
The Super 26 S also featured an underride barrier, a GRP body with integrated steel strengthening elements, a folding roof and removable doors with their side windows. Its front windscreen could be stowed, while the interior was equipped with imitation-leather trim and carpeting.
