Everybody knows that for cheap performance, two wheels are the way to go. Motorcycles have long been the benchmark for affordable speed, but what happens when you add a third wheel?
A three-wheel car certainly turns heads on the road, but it can also be incredibly powerful (and collectible). In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the coolest three-wheeled vehicles on and off the market.
*Note: States have different rules, but in most cases, you need a motorcycle license to drive a three-wheeler.
Our Favorite Three-Wheeled Vehicles
Trikes feature two front wheels and one wheel at the back. Autocycles flip this arrangement and feature a single wheel at the front and two at the rear (often with a steering wheel instead of handlebars). This intriguing blend of car-like stability and motorcycle-like thrill offers something for every type of rider, including those who prefer the traditional two-wheeler experience.
Here’s our roundup of the most eye-catching, head-turning three-wheeled cars in the world:
- BMW Isetta
- Morgan Super 3
- Polaris Slingshot S
- Vanderhall Venice GTS
- Campagna T-Rex RR
BMW Isetta
The Isetta was originally manufactured in the 1950s by the Italian company Iso Autoveicoli, but it wasn’t until BMW started its own production run that it reached peak popularity. From 1955 to 1962, BMW produced multiple models, including the 250, 300, and 600, and sold over 160,000 units.
Nicknamed the “bubble car” for its egg-shaped design, the Isetta featured a front-opening door and a single-cylinder engine. It was surprisingly roomy for two passengers and achieved an impressive 94 mpg. Back in the day, you could snag a new Isetta for a few thousand dollars (roughly $20,000 in today’s money).
The Isetta still stands as one of the most beloved BMW projects and is a unique addition to any classic car collector’s stash.
Morgan Super 3
The Morgan Super 3 was unveiled in 2022 by the Morgan Motor Company. This British automaker, founded in 1909, is known for its classically styled and lightweight vehicles, often incorporating exposed elements into their designs.
Take the Morgan Super 3, for example, a three-wheeled roadster lauded for its lightweight composition. With its 1.5-liter three-cylinder Ford engine, the Morgan Super 3 can break 118 horsepower, reaching 0-62 mph in around 7 seconds.
For a starting price of around $54,000, you’ll be able to turn heads on the road with this unconventional design.
Polaris Slingshot S
This isn’t your grandpa’s 3-wheeler! Launched in 2014, the Slingshot is a sporty and open-air roadster with a powerful engine. Choose to add the Slingshot to your collection, and you’ll be in for a thrilling ride similar to that of a motorcycle but with the added comfort and protection of a cockpit.
The Slingshot is still in production today and is probably the most popular vehicle on our list. It has a 2.0-liter engine capable of 178 hp and can be configured with a manual or automatic transmission.
Prices for a new Slingshot S can range from $25,000 to well over $40,000, depending on what add-ons you purchase.
Vanderhall Venice GTS
Where the Slingshot is known for its blocky, linear design, the Venice GTS is recognized by its smooth lines, reminiscent of the earliest drag cars from the 1920s.
This American-made machine prioritizes class and power. The 1.5L turbocharged engine produces 194 hp, and the lightweight, open-air cockpit makes you feel like you’re really zipping along.
With features like standard heated seats and Bluetooth audio, it offers some creature comforts alongside the adrenaline rush. Be aware, though, that the Venice GTS is classified as a motorcycle, so licensing requirements, insurance, and safety considerations differ from traditional cars.
The Venice GTS can be all yours for the starting price of around $39,950.
Campagna T-Rex RR
Campagna Motors is a Canadian manufacturer that specializes in high-performance three-wheeled vehicles. This specialty shouldn’t come as a surprise with founder Daniel Campagna, a former Formula Ford racer, at the helm of the design vision.
The Campagna T-Rex RR is their headlining car, a three-wheeled vehicle that combines high-performance capabilities with a head-turning design. It utilizes a 1441cc Kawasaki inline-4 cylinder engine, capable of reaching top speeds exceeding 140 mph (230 km/h). This engine is known for its smooth power delivery and responsive handling, perfect for carving corners.
The T-Rex RR boasts a luxurious interior with car-like features, including a digital instrument panel and a sequential six-speed gearbox. While specific pricing information may vary by location, the T-Rex RR falls into the luxury vehicle category, typically starting well above $50,000.
Notable Runners Up
As the trends would tell us, three-wheeled vehicles are typically designed as concept cars, but the companies don’t intend to mass-produce them. Some of the coolest trike cars and motorcycles aren’t coming to production anytime soon, but they still make waves when they are teased.
Other vehicles that have piqued the interest of the three-wheeled motorcycle enthusiast include the following:
Peugeot 20CUP: From legendary manufacturer Peugeot, the 20CUP was a 0-door roadster that made waves at the 2005 IAA Frankfurt Show. It featured a 1.6-liter, turbo-charged four-cylinder engine capable of 170 hp.
Honda 3R-C: More like a compact three-wheeled motorcycle, the 3R-C was Honda’s vision of the future when it was showcased at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. It had a sleek, sci-fi design and an onboard battery that powered the rear wheel.
Mercedes-Benz F300 Life Jet: Perhaps one of the weirdest three-wheelers out there, the Life Jet debuted at the 1997 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. This vehicle is designed like an airplane cockpit, with a top speed of 130mph, and has Active Tilt Control, like a motorcycle. Safe to say, it’s probably a blessing that the Life Jet was never anything more than a prototype.
Three-Wheelers Deserve The Best Storage Solution
Three-wheeled cars look great on and off the road, and to keep them that way, you have to store them properly. Whether you have a classic BMW Isetta or a flashy new Slingshot, storing it outside is not an option. Not only can the elements deteriorate the interior, but exposure to UV rays can ruin the body panels and paint job.
While three-wheelers are smaller than cars, they can still take up a significant amount of space in your garage. Thankfully, you can find affordable storage solutions in your neighborhood.
Neighbor.com is a peer-to-peer storage marketplace that shows you local people with extra storage space in their garage, warehouse, or driveway. Neighbor vets all of its hosts and has a comprehensive list of storage partners in all 50 states. So do yourself a favor and find a place to keep your three-wheeler safe today.
