1951 Tri-Wheel Thrift-T

A slab-sided utility roadster, the Tri Wheel Motor Corporations Thrift-T was unique from every angle! An Onan-powered three-wheeler was designed in 1951 by the Tri-Wheel Corp of Oxford, North Carolina, and manufactured by the Tri-Wheel Motor Corp., located in Springfield, Massachusetts. Production of the Thrift-T lasted from 1948 until 1955 and they were produced in two standard colors, Lockhaven Green and Hawaiian Gray. At an additional cost, other colors were available.

Much like the name implies, the interior of the Thrift-T was stark and incredibly simplified. The seat was a bench seat and a floor mat for the driver and passenger. There were no door panels, kick panels, or any type of sound insulation. The controls and gauges were the bare minimum as well, and consisted of only a steering wheel, a stick shift, and a small variety of gauges.

Inside the engine bay of the Thrift-T was powered by a 62.5-cubic inch, horizontally opposed, 10hp Onan engine mated with a Crosley transmission and axle. The Thrift-T was capable of achieving a top speed of 40 mph and featured 4.59 x 12 tires. In less than thirty minutes, the Thrift-T's steel body can be separated from its chassis and powertrain as the drivetrain rests in a cradle beneath the body and is connected with a trailer ball and hitch setup.

Originally the vehicle was designed as a three-seater for commuting. By 1955 the Thrift-T was available to be purchased with a pickup body, an enclosed delivery van, and an open-top utility vehicle capable of seating up to five people as well as having enough room for additional luggage.

By Jessica Donaldson