Some classics are designed to provide impressive performance; others transport their occupants in supreme luxury and isolation. A category that receives less recognition is those intended to plaster a mile-wide smile on their owner’s face. That description applies to this 1976 VW Trike. It offers the type of “boots in the breeze” motoring experience typically confined to traditional motorcycles but without the rider worrying about getting their feet planted firmly on Terra Firma every time they stop. It isn’t perfect, but it is a turnkey proposition that a new owner could treat to a cosmetic refresh at their leisure. The time has come for it to find a new home, with the owner listing the Trike exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Trikes almost invariably possess a sense of purpose, and this one is no exception. It is accentuated by the predominantly Black color scheme, which features some subtle purple custom touches. The owner admits it isn’t perfect, with some chips and imperfections from trailering. However, it is presentable in its current form, allowing the winning bidder to consider how they might tackle a cosmetic refresh while they enjoy all it has to offer. Rust is not an issue, with the frame rock-solid and little evidence of significant surface corrosion on any aspect of this classic. The windshield provides protection from the elements, and the chrome across the Trike contrasts the predominantly Black color scheme and is in good order. The back wheels might require some TLC to address mild pitting, but the alloy front wheel is in good order. The seats are free from rips and significant wear, while a range of gauges help monitor the powerplant, which should provide surprising performance.
A 1976 Volkswagen Beetle powered by the iconic rear-mounted 1.6-liter flat-four provides its occupants with respectable performance and will respond well to a few mechanical tweaks. Take the same engine, bolt it onto a Trike, and things improve considerably courtesy of significantly lower weight. That is the recipe followed here because everything behind the occupants is pure Volkswagen. The engine would have produced 48hp when it sat in a Beetle’s tail, but I expect the figure is higher due to the improved carburetor and exhaust. Shifting duties fall to a four-speed VW transaxle, with the front suspension controlled by traditional motorcycle forks and the rear via coilovers. The engine wears a significant collection of chrome cosmetic enhancements, but it is more than a pretty face. This Trike runs and rides well, and prospective bidders can consider it a turnkey proposition.
One trait shared between traditional motorcycles and Trikes is that they don’t offer protection from the elements inherent in most classic cars. However, the owner provides options to improve comfort and safety. They include this leather coat (size 56), a pair of leather chaps (size XL), and a pair of helmets. There is one full-face, with the other the more traditional open-face type. Years of riding motorcycles in cold and wet climates have taught me that this is adequate protection under most circumstances, although adding a pair of gloves to the wardrobe is not a bad strategy during the depths of winter. Otherwise, dressing as you might when you slip behind the wheel of a Convertible is all that is required on fine days.
With summer fast disappearing, now might not seem the appropriate time to purchase a classic like this 1976 VW Trike. Nothing could be further from the truth because now is the perfect time. Performing a cosmetic restoration would be straightforward, and the physical size of this Trike means it won’t require a vast workshop to do so. I see no reason why the winning bidder couldn’t while away the winter months returning this gem to its former glory. When Mother Nature shows her sunny face, they can hit the road aboard a classic that will guarantee an enjoyable motoring experience. Could you be that person?
- Location: La Pine, Oregon
- Mileage: 49,950 shown, TMU
- Engine: 1.6-liter 4-cylinder
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
- VIN: TEX201071
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
JKienzle1 bid $1,377.00 2023-09-01 09:59:54
Steve bid $1,250.00 2023-08-31 18:26:56
frmrnomad@gmail.com bid $1,111.99 2023-08-31 09:02:07
Alucard82 bid $1,000.00 2023-08-25 18:25:35
Man these things always make me grin like an idiot!
Practical, no not really but in all fairness once sorted you could cover a lot of miles in comfort grinning like an idiot :D :D :D
Is the gas tank under the driver’s seat?
on left side of drivers seat, new ss gas tank
Needs a wheelie bar. 3 wheelers fill a need for folks that can’t ride a motorcycle. On a recent trip, 3 wheelers were at every fuel stop. This is a nice change, as most are Harleys, but a VW is probably smoother, and could tow a small trailer with ease. My only issue with 3 wheelers, is the single wheel rides in the grease strip, where all the stuff like blasting caps and driveshafts lay, that 4 the wheelers miss. Would surely take some getting used to.
Many decades ago I used to drive one of these. It was horribly built and was a blast to drive! I’m actually considering this, even though my wife would kill me. Its even nearby…
I think that windshield is too far away from the rider to help at all. Those seats look very uncomfortable. Of course none of this matters to some prospective buyers. GLWTA.
With the three seat arrangement, you could take the wife AND the girlfriend to Sturgis, next year. Just don’t take those turns too sharp. Nice build.
I love it. How it can be delivery in South Fl ?
vehicle shipper
As a motorcyclist for many years I say never use used helmets.
they were hardly used, still look new
There was a time when you saw these around quite a bit. I was young and they always caught my eye.
Now, spotting them is a rarity.
I drive a hot rodded CanAm 3 wheeler – wife didn’t trust me on 2 wheels anymore – LOL!. An early one – not the softy things that they have become Lots of fun on a sunny day.
Could you post the overall dimensions of the bike to show what size trailer is needed to transport it? Thank you.
10 1/2′ x 6′
Could someone recommend me one vehicle shipper ? I do not have any idea how it works or how expensive it is
Thanks
check online
It only sold for $1400. It would be easy to junk the seats, build a tubular front chassis, make a small 2 seater with bench seat 4 wheel car. Plenty fast and good gas mileage. Harley and VW trikes screaming “I am the village idiot!” since the first one appeared. Granted, roads were road rage manufacturing facilities nationwide in the 60’s. But losing the practicality of both cars and motorcycles with so much effort suggesting better check the welds. They will either be excellent OCD quality, or “look at all my beer bottles!” joints that might render the entire thing just an engine, tank and wheels purchase. As the price reflects.
*Weren’t. Gotta love autofix and no edits options.
geta proper engine, narrow the axel/put it up frnt, um, er, forgedid…