Nu-Klea Starlite

The Nu-Klea Starlite was an electrically powered prototype automobile designed and developed by Stephen P. Kish at the Nu-Klea Automobile Corporation / Kish-Nu-Way Industries in Lansing, Michigan, United States, in 1959. Planned as two-seat,electric runabout the Starlite was to weigh under 2400 pounds including the batteries. A separate motor was to power each wheel powered by three lead acid batteries each. A seventh smaller battery would power accessories. The body was to be of glass fiber reinforced plastic,[1] while a planned removable top was to be of clear acrylic.[2] The batteries would weigh approximately 900 pounds and allow a range 60 miles on an overnight charge.[3]

The prototype was driven in the 1959 Lansing Michigan Centennial parade.[4] The unrestored Nu-Klea Starlite in the collection of the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, United States matches the photograph of the Starlite which was driven in the parade.[5]

References

  1. ^ Ind. Eng. Chem. 1960, 52, 2, 32A–42A Publication Date:February 1, 1960 doi:10.1021/ie50602a005 © American Chemical Society
  2. ^ "Nu-Klea Starlite Electric... - Classic and Recreation Sportscars". Facebook. March 24, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  3. ^ Ind. Eng. Chem. 1960, 52, 2, 32A–42A Publication Date:February 1, 1960 doi:10.1021/ie50602a005 © American Chemical Society
  4. ^ "Kish Industries creates a prototype electric car -the Nu-Klea Starlite- in the old Auto Body plant and debuts it in Lansing's Centennial parade". People's History of Old Town Lansing, Michigan. August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  5. ^ "Nu-Klea Starlite-1959 - Lane Motor Museum". Lane Motor Museum. February 3, 2015.


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