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Three-Wheeled Cars: We discover a Nashville museum’s unique exhibit

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Daniel Rufiange
Contact with the road is overrated...

27 - 1957 Messerschmitt KR 200

1957 Messerschmitt KR 200
1957 Messerschmitt KR 200 | Photo: D.Rufiange

The name Messerschmitt is likely familiar to many of you. Some German military planes used during World War II carried the name. At the end of the conflict, the company responsible for their manufacture was not allowed to build planes.

The creator of this car, Fitz Fend, had his vehicle built inside the company's factories. The car was a hit with motorcyclists who wanted a roof on rainy days and with car enthusiasts who appreciated the good deal: the Messerschmitt sold for half the price of a Volkswagen. Its 191-cc engine produced 10 hp. A total of 25,000 units were produced.

28 – Jarret, la voiture électronique, 1969

Jarret, la voiture électronique, 1969
Jarret, la voiture électronique, 1969 | Photo: D.Rufiange

One look at this car and you can figure it probably was not approved for the road. “Shank, the Electronic Car” was designed to move, in an environmentally friendly way, two occupants through any business space. Its top speed was about 30 km/h.

The Shank was driven using a joystick-style joystick. Two electric motors, each connected to a rear wheel, were responsible for powering it. Only seven were ever built.

29 - 1932 Martin Martinette

1932 Martin Martinette
1932 Martin Martinette | Photo: D.Rufiange

This is one of the two other cars produced by James V. Martin. Presented at the New York Air Show in 1932, the Martinette incorporated several elements borrowed from aviation into its design. Access to the car happened via a single door at the front. Three prototypes were made, but none went into production.

Daniel Rufiange
Daniel Rufiange
Automotive expert
  • Over 17 years' experience as an automotive journalist
  • More than 75 test drives in the past year
  • Participation in over 250 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists