1984 Zoe Zipper Coupe

In 1982, Mitsuoka Motors of Japan introduced in its home country, a small three-wheeled, single-seater vehicle. The following year, Zoe Products of California acquired the distribution and naming rights to the 3-wheeled person-mover. The 'car' had modern sharp-edged styling and was powered by a Honda moped engine. For those who dared, the top speed was in the neighborhood of 45 mph and it could achieve 112 miles to the gallon. Budget-conscious commuters who were suffering from the fuel crisis of the era could certainly be happy with this option. It could be registered as a motorcycle for insurance purposes, making it even more affordable.

The vehicle, dubbed the Zoe Zipper, saw total production reach about 30 examples in both hardtop and convertible versions.

This example was sold new to Ken Lee, of Small Cars Subaru in Glen Garden, New Jersey. Currently, it is in largely original condition. Power is from a 49cc Honda engine offering 5 horsepower. There is a CVT transmission with an electric reverse gear and three-wheel disc brakes. The wheelbase measures just 54 inches.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2014