We are so used to seeing cars with four wheels that we have a tendency to view a three-wheeled car as nothing more than a cute novelty to look at. Many of us forget or never knew that the first motor vehicles of the 18th century were equipped with three wheels. In honor of this history of three-wheeled vehicles, we took the time to compile a list of some of the three-wheelers that made the biggest impact on car enthusiasts.
Campagna T-Rex
The exterior design will jump out at anyone who is given the chance to see the Campagna T-Rex in person. However, many admirers of the outer beauty of the car will be surprised to learn what is under the hood. The most notable T-Rex offering is the 20th-anniversary edition. The car sports a six-cylinder BMW engine that can produce nearly 8,000 RPMs and 160 horsepower. The T-Rex also boasts of high-quality suspension and a top-performing braking system.
Carver One
The 2002 release of the Carver One resulted in the first three-wheel car that came with a tilting body. The Carver One was designed with two seats positioned side by side and possessed the power to accelerate from zero to 62 miles per hour in 8 seconds. Top speed for the Carver One is 115 miles per hour.
Elio P5
The three-cylinder engine used by the P5 produces 55 horsepower. The top speed for the Elio P5 is 99 miles per hour and the car can reach 62 miles per hour from a dead start in a little under 10 seconds. Drivers of the P5 appreciate the 84 miles they can travel per gallon of gas.
Mazda K360
The K360 truck made it to market in 1959 and went on to become a favorite work truck in Japan. The Mazda K360 comes with narrow seats and is easy to maneuver. The car sports an extra-wide wagon, a safety windshield, two doors, and three total windows.
Morgan 3 Wheeler
The Morgan 3 Wheeler reminds many people of a World War II three-wheeled cycle and is one of the most recognizable three-wheeled cars available. The two-cylinder gasoline engine that powers the Morgan 3 Wheeler produces 82 horsepower and is located in front of the passenger compartment.
Polaris Slingshot
Polaris is best known for its snowmobiles and quads but its three-wheeled Slingshot cannot be ignored. The Slingshot has two wheels in the front of the vehicle and a third in the rear. The interior of the Slingshot is waterproof and the powerful engine it sports is derived from GM.
Reliant Regal
The Reliant Motor Company offers a van version of their three-wheeled regal. The vehicle is considered a tricycle in the United Kingdom and a license to drive a motorcycle is all that is needed to legally drive the Regal. The Regal was first manufactured in 1953 and more of the three-wheelers were produced each year until 1973.
Vanderhall Venice Roadster
The Vanderhall Venice Roadster has caused a bit of confusion in the United States. In some states, the Venice Roadster is considered a car while in states like California the Roadster is classified as a motorcycle. The Venice Roadster is a fun car to drive and is powered by a 140 horsepower gasoline engine.
