What a beaut piece of machinery!When I think about all the VW's that passed through my hands and garage at home back in the 1970's, the more I think about it, the more I now realise that I wasted a lot of resources like body parts.
A few years ago while holidaying in Victoria we went to some little town north west of melbourne to a Sunday market when a trike rolled in and parked. It was almost identical to the one pictured. The gentleman that owned it explained that he had built it himself using the inside shell of a VW Beetle rear half of the body. Additionally, the engine, transmission, and suspension incorporating part of the floor pan up to where the gear lever and hand brake were usually mounted. From there on it was up to the owners discretion as to the mounting of the front fork assembly to steer the completed vehicle.
The one above has a big bore motor, I believe to be close to 2000cc with electronic ignition and fuel injection. The exhaust system is what I know as from years ago as Dual Cannon, ie, two sets of extractors, one for each bank of cylinders on the flat four cylinder motor. Boy, does that engine sound healthy.
The rear seating will accommodate three passengers in comfort and cruise all day at a reasonable speed up to 110kph, but then who wants to tear around with one of these. Slow and easy and you would still arrive safely belted in.
One thing that has changed in latter years is the requirement now to hold a motor cycle license. Previously, a normal car license was all that was required, but that was a bit of lost revenue for the government, and the cost of obtaining a motor cycle license is away out of this old goat's range anyway. Then the additional cost of helmets, and the trike as well.
DAMN! IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN, BUT AT LEAST I CAN DREAM.
I normally don't promote people's business ventures, but in this case I'll make an exception. The owner Tom Stafford is obviously at the helm, and his partner Leanne is the lady on the left of the image. Who the other two people are, well they may well be other passengers belonging to other trikes from around the North West of Tasmania.
These tours are now a feature of the Cruise Ship season here in Burnie and are slowly being accepted as a part of the "scenery".
For those of you who after reading this blog page feel inclined towards a wind and sun in your face, have suitable clothing like slacks or jeans for the ladies, as dresses and skirts are a liability or distraction to on coming traffic, helmets are supplied by the owner.
Tour contact details as follows.
After hours. (03) 6425 3119.
Mobile: 0428 504 794
Tour email: deviltrikes@gmail.com
Address; 78 Gawler Road, Ulverstone, Tasmania. 7315
What's on offer: Tamar River Winery tours, Tours of the wild North West Coastline, Tarkine Aventres and Coastal Cruises.
Arrive in style to your Wedding, Birthday, or Leavers function.
Devil Trike Tours can cater to just about any event on your social or event calendar.
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