In the early 1970s, Randy Enterprises offered a catalog of custom chopper accessories ranging from tanks and fenders to handlebars, headlights, and even custom bodies, including one known as the StratoTaxi. Featuring swoopy bodywork and room for three, it was sure to stand out wherever it went, even in the wild 70s. Our feature vehicle, found here on craigslist out of Elk Grove, CA, was professionally built and features cherry red paint, plenty of chrome, and a wild-looking V8 engine. Thanks to Nevadahalfrack for the tip!
The seller describes the powerplant as a Corvette 305ci stroker backed by a two-speed Powerglide transmission, operated by a B&M Pro Bandit Shifter. The headers are Sanderson Zoomies, and the whole thing is topped off with an Edelbrock carb and a bug-catcher scoop for an extra dose of attitude. Out back is a Ford 9-inch rear end with what appear to be some fairly large meats to help this lightweight beast maintain traction.
The interior looks to be sparse, but comfortable. That is, as comfortable as it can be, seated directly behind a loud, hot V8 engine. Controls are via stretched motorcycle handlebars, which may take some getting used to. There are the usual levers on either side of the handlebars, which one would assume to be for the brakes since the automatic transmission wouldn’t require a clutch. However, the front wheel doesn’t appear to have any sort of brake, so who knows? The back seat is described by the seller as a rumble seat, capable of holding two smaller passengers with minimal rear-end mass.
The rear end of the vehicle features Corvette-style taillights and a matching chrome split bumper, and is accented with Von-Dutch style pinstriping. Hopefully, the buyer of this vehicle uses it as intended, showing this view to any would-be contenders of America’s two-lane highways.
Also available for purchase is the 14′ x 6′ tandem cargo trailer that’s been used to transport the vehicle to and from shows. The seller describes it as “new as heck” and the bike appears to fit inside it perfectly. The package deal is currently priced at $28k, but f you don’t have the funds to purchase everything outright, the seller may accept your Class A motorhome as a trade. If you don’t have a motorhome, they state they are also willing to trade for a C7 or an AC Cobra. Would you use this wild ride as a show vehicle, or start putting some miles on it, maybe as the ultimate poker run bike?
Wild ride here. It looks like it was made for shows, not riding. If it was made for the road it comes up short for steering and safety. A gear set to remote the handlebars and a firewall to keep from frying your knees would go a along way toward making it a comfortable rider. Also, wonder what’s supposed to be in the empty picture block?
When I saw the empty picture block I just kept scrolling Bob, I thought I got logged out again. Thinking about cashing in my membership. Frustrating this has gone on so long!
Forgot… If you go to the craigslist ad you can see some really quality build work.
Wow. A V8 powered rickshaw. Great if the hotel-to-restaurant ride is 1/4 mile.
Interesting ride!
Being unfamiliar with these, I assume the rad is in the back someplace? Or how is it cooled?
I don’t remember a 305 corvette, crossfire maybe?
I looked it up. 1980, California only. In fact the only corvette engine available in California that year.
why does that not suprise me
The nice thing about that is, a replacement 383 stroker will slip right in!
greg v… blow up the picture and you can see two black hoses going down from the water pump area and going back underneath the rig. Probably a flat radiator with a fan on top underneath.
Two words…death trap…
Three words. Fun death trap
All wrong. The dynamics must be awful with the C of G too far forward.
as “flmikey” said, death trap.
Bob Keyes built the ultimate trike, the Vigilante, a properly engineered trike.
http://www.vigillante.com/vigillante1.htm
I have seen this thing in person at a Good Guys event in Pleasanton CA. I have built many bikes from scratch over the past 30 years and I have experience with Las Vegas Trikes with Big Block aluminum Chevy engines. This thing is a death trap, it needs to be cut up and modified for safety and rider comport I wouldn’t offer anything over $500. For it and I would only be interested in it for parts
Let me know where you can find any C7 for $28,000. It would have to be wrecked or have 700,000 miles
I think it would be a super fun project does anyone know where it is now and maybe how to get a hold of them ? Thanks
Sorry but this was featured a few years ago. You can check the date of a post at the top.
Working on a resto of one built with a shovel head.