Three wheels aren't usually better than two, but once in a while they're more fun than four. Yesterday we asked for your favorite three-wheeled contraptions, and here's ten of the best.
This is Answers of the Day - a feature where we take the best ten responses from the previous day's Question of the Day and shine it up to show off. It's by you and for you, the Jalopnik readers. Enjoy!
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Photo Credit: Wild Snapper, flickr
10.) Reliant Robin
Suggested By: LuckyChuck
Why It's Awesome: The Reliant Robin was a cult favorite amongst British fans of low-cost, low speed motoring about town. Once it hit the tvs of millions of people around the world on Top Gear though, it's reputation went worldwide. Whether it was being launched into space or tipped back on its wheels by semi-obscure British celebrities, the Robin has become something of a joke the world over. It means well though, and that's all that counts.
Photo credit: st_wenzel, flickr
9.) Mercedes Benz F300 Life Jet
Suggested By: Zen
Why It's Awesome: The Life Jet was Mercedes' 1997 entry into the world of strange motorcycle-car hybrids. through some sort of complicated hydraulic system and magic the vehicle would lean its front tires and passenger compartment into turns, simulating the feeling of riding a motorcycle. Its roof panels were removable, so riders could feel like they were almost riding a bike, but still laugh at those getting wet in the rain.
8.) Velorex
Suggested By: Tucker589
Why It's Awesome: The Velorex is Czechoslovakia's favorite fabric-covered three-wheeled conveyance. Originally built in 1943, production of the Velorex continued until sometime into the 1970's. The car was originally known as the Oskar, but was renamed in the 1950's. Its small two-stroke engine is mated to a four-speed transmission but is able to run backwards as well, so it features four reverse gears. The company survives to this day manufacturing five to ten motorcycle sidecars per year.
Photo credit: fotowettbewrb
7.) Aptera 2 Series
Suggested By: Porschephile
Why It's Awesome: Prototypes of the 2 Series exist, though the car still toes the line between vaporware and reality. If all goes well, Aptera will offer both all-electric and hybrid versions, which will have the ability to run for 130 miles before a recharge is needed. Both versions look like strange alien landing craft. There's a series of solar panels on the roof, which are used mainly for powering various electrical systems in the cabin, the keyless ignition and entry systems, and the sensors with which the aliens inside will monitor the human life forms outside.
Photo credit: Cartype
6.) Peugeot 20Cup
Suggested By: CABEZAGRANDE
Why It's Awesome: The 20Cup features the front end off of Peugeot's 207 compact car, and the back end of a motorcycle, as well as the 207's 168 horsepower 1.6 liter engine. Two were built, in black and white paint, but the white one met its end prematurely when it made friends with a wall during testing. Peugeot had originally intended to perhaps pursue a one-make racing series with the cars when they were revealed in 2005, but those plans were shelved pretty quickly.
Photo credit: R Sportscars
5.) Dymaxion Car
Suggested By: trev
Why It's Awesome: One of Buckminster Fuller's many Dymaxion-themed design projects, the car was built in 1933. It was steered, unusually, by its rear wheel, making handling touchy. It was, however, able to bang a U-turn in its own length. Unfortunately, the project was doomed when the prototype was very badly damaged at that year's World's Fair in Chicago, rolling over and killing the driver and injuring two passengers. Its legacy does live on, at least in spirit, in the Aptera's aerodynamic design and three-wheeled platform.
Photo credit: Kagami
4.) Messerschmitt KR200
Suggested By: CaptainMorgan_SOS
Why It's Awesome: The KR200 debuted in 1955 and replaced the KR175 that had come before it. Though it used basically the same bodywork, it was a complete redesign underneath. It still featured a 10hp engine. In 1955, a KR200 was run for 24 hours straight at the Hockenheim Ring, setting an average time of 64 mph. By 1964 however, production stopped due to increased competition form other microcars, such as England's Mini.
Photo credit: One More Thing
3.) Volkswagen GX3
Suggested By: geistkoenig
Why It's Awesome: The GX3 concept debuted at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show with much fanfare and excitement. It had the 1.6 liter GTi engine in the back, which was good for a 0 to 60 run in 5.7 seconds. Lotus had done extensive work tuning the suspension, and Volkswagen promised the public that their reaction to the car would determine its fate. Despite a lot of excitement and hype from the public, VW pulled the plug on the project citing high costs needed to make it roadworthy.
2.) Citroen Lomax 223
Suggested By: Bret
Why It's Awesome: What do you get when you take the running gear from a 2CV and combine it with a kit car fiberglass body and questionable conversion to a three-wheeled chassis? Why, the Lomax of course! Made by Cradley Motor Works in St.-Leonards-On-Sea, England since 1982, the Lomax takes everything we love about the 2CV, removes a wheel, and adds so much more character. I joke, but these things can supposedly get up in the neighborhood of 80 mph, so I'm not sure if I or the Lomax should get the last laugh.
Photo credit: Swingline, Picasa
1.) Campagna T-Rex
Suggested By: CABEZAGRANDE
Why It's Awesome: If the Aptera was the alien landing craft, the T-Rex is their attack fighter. Let me spell this out for you: the top of the line T-Rex weighs 1040 pounds. It has a Kawasaki 1400cc engine in it, which is good for 197 hp. What more could you possibly want? It's pure, unadulterated awesome, wrapped up in a tiny little package. Humans, watch out.