Inventor and experimental vehicle designer · 1933–2015
Justin Capră
Capră’s transport experiments show a persistent interest in making personal vehicles smaller, lighter and more economical.
A life behind the work
Capră grew up in Prahova and began making mechanical objects as a child, including moving wooden figures driven by part of a broken watch. His adult work ranged across small vehicles and unconventional flying-machine projects. Among his named transport experiments were the compact Soleta car, the Sarmis vehicle with unusual controls and the Oroles electric motorbike. He also explored other electric vehicles, including Oblio and Troty. His machines are best approached as a varied programme of prototypes, rather than proof that he invented electric motoring itself.