Island of crazy convertible taxis

class=”sc-3778e872-0 cKDKQr”>

Capri has been a tourist attraction since the 19th century. Reaching a length of 6.3 kilometers and a width of 2.7 kilometers in the Bay of Naples, the island has immortalized many hits as the symbol of holidays in Italy, the land of cars. In addition to flair and sun, Capri also offers crazy cars. No, not the Ford Capris. But taxis!

Against some of these conversions, Fiat’s Multipla or a SsangYong Rodius isn’t all that bad aesthetically. But the Caprese’s supple cabriolets (yes, the tomato and mozzarella salad is also named after the island) are a tourist eye-catcher better than any Lamborghini.

void mass? Seats!

Fiat Marea and Scudo, Nissan Evalia or Serena, Opel Zafira or Citroën C4 Picasso: On Capri, compact cars, small vans or vans are converted into convertibles, long limousines or both. Some are almost caravans (closed at the front, open at the rear) – there was something like this in Maybach recently.

Proportions or even spacing are not important in Capri, it is important to transport the many guests typical of the island as efficiently as possible. However, while these convertible taxis with mostly three rows of seats are typical for Capri, they are either discontinued here or only purchased here. Venaria, one of the builders near Turin (I), is creating these open-air taxis based on the Fiat Scudo and Nissan Evalia C as a service for many resort areas.

Paolo in the open-top Zafira

“The trip to the town of Capri costs 25 euros,” says Paolo as he boards his Opel Zafira at the port. The Zafira of the first series was a van pioneer, where it is still in service today. For this, unthinkable for us, the convertible was opened. Paolo prefers to leave the exterior mirrors folded: the streets are narrow, oncoming traffic is a delicate business.

But while nearly all regular local cars are scrapped, taxis aren’t: Paolo knows every turn. And in the end, there is no reason to rush: If two trucks meet, everything is settled, the price is fixed, and you can relax on Capri. He’s so relieved. The only thing missing is a slow 45km/h Citroën Ami as a police car (like here on the Greek island of Halki).

Source: Blick