Three-wheelers! They’re cool, right? I’ve always thought they were cool, but I get it if a few too many spottings of guys (it’s always guys) blasting their dubious musical tastes from RGB-LED-bedazzled Polaris Slingshots have knocked three-wheelers in general down a couple or twenty pegs in car-coolness for you. I actually kinda like the Slingshot Grand Touring (the one with a roof and hilarious half-gullwing doors), but it’s far from my first choice in one-wheel-missing motoring.
I’m split between new and old for three-wheeled fun, and my top choice is sort of new and old. I speak of the Morgan Super Three as seen in the top shot, and below as a squadron storming a beach. I trust they were thoroughly hosed off with fresh water and given a good WD-40ing after that outing. Does the Super Three drive well? Who knows, all I can tell you is it’s cool as hell. Not merely punk rock, but steampunk rock.
A close second for a currently-in-production three-wheeler would be a Vanderhall. I like the fuselage look, and that’s about all I can tell you. A buddy of mine has one with Gatling guns on it. Non-functional, I assume, but no promises. Sadly, he’s about two hours away from me, but if I ever get to take a spin, I’ll let you know.
I’d also be thrilled to have any of the vintage three-wheelers that most quickly spring to mind when my thoughts wander to the subject. I don’t care how easily it rolls over (or not), a Reliant Robin has got to be an absolute hoot, no matter how it drives. I considered adding an arrow to the pic below, but I think you can spot the Robin.
How about a Bond Bug? Luke Skywalker’s landspeeder was actually one of these beneath its X-34 shell. His went for peanuts on Tatooine Marketplace, but a nice one can fetch up to $20,000, apparently.
And here’s a (sorta) Harley three-wheeler that’s way, waaay cooler than those mobility trikes HD sells today. I give you the TriHawk, complete with a deep dive from Mercedes:
Now that looks positively jaunty!
Your turn: what three-wheeler can you see yourself driving?
Morgan all the way for me. I’m torn between the old school v-twin or the modern inline 3. The sound and the smell of the v-twin seems like it would be the more characterful option for a weekend toy.
I’m super curious about Morgans.
When I was in middle school one of my friend’s dad’s was a biker. Tucked away in their backyard was a Chopper Trike built out of an old Harley and a VW Bug, powered by a small block Chevy with a 671 blower strapped to the top and giant Mickey Thompson Drag slicks. It hadn’t run in years, and probably never did again;. but man I WANTED that thing bad.
That’s the three-wheeler that lives in my head rent free.
Has anyone mentioned Elios? I know it was a great idea in theory, but clearly did not work in the real world. It would have been a great and thrify commuter while you kept your fun car in reserve.
The Morgan Super3 has had me in a chokehold for awhile now. I’m trying to justify it, but nearly $70k with options is a lot for something not very practical.
Also a big fan of the Corbin Sparrow while we’re talking 3-wheelers.
Morgan all the way. Though I’ve liked the Tri-Magnum since the original PM story.
I have had a thing for the Piaggio Ape 50 since I can remember. They look tiny and fragile, but by all accounts they can take decades of abuse and neglect without issues, and are actually relentless workhorses that will probably survive the nuclear apocalypse along with cockroaches and Toyotas.
Olá senhor Renault, do you (or anyone else) have a moment to educate me on how to link an image as you have for the Piaggio?
I’ve been wondering for decades… Nay, centuries!
Obrigado!
When writing a reply, there is a row of formatting links across the bottom of the text box, including Bold, Italics, Unederline, and
Strikethrough.A few icons over is a “Link” that looks like two interlinked circles. You can highlight Some Text then enter the address to the Picture you want to share.
Thank you for the reply!
It appears this must only be possible on desktop version. Mobile (which I always use to visit this site) doesn’t offer any of those options 🙁
I mostly use the desktop site, and just check the mobile version. Yes, it appears you only get those options on the desktop version of the site.
I don’t always roll on three wheels. But when I do, I’m taking off or landing in an airplane.
I like my three wheels on an airframe, thank you. Three-wheeled cars are horribly compromised dynamically and less endearing that a three-legged dog.