If you’re looking for the kind of thrill you get on a Slingshot or Spyder, unfortunately this ain’t it. What it IS, however, is what some would call the predecessor of those. This 1981 HMV Freeway is up for sale here on eBay in Lisbon, OH and, for a fraction of the price of those newer machines, you could have yourself an adventure of a time at much lower speeds. Find out more below!
HMV (High-Mileage Vehicle) and its sole model offering were the brainchild of Dave Edmonson back in 1970. By 1977, he had a prototype ready and entered it into an S.A.E. fuel efficiency competition, achieving 88.3 MPG in his completely ground-up, home-built design. Hand-build production began in Burnsville, Minnesota in 1979, but after only a few years and approximately 700 units, HMV was forced into bankruptcy.
Freeway were offered in three colors: red, yellow, or orange, that was dyed into the gelcoat of the fiberglass bodies. The body mounted to a welded-steel perimeter-frame cage and rode on independent suspension, with a main door on the left side and the rear hatch to access the cargo space. Buyers had a choice of two different gas engines (12- or 16-horsepower), an electric motor, or diesel engine, all of which were small (think ‘riding lawnmower’) and mated to a snowmobile-style CVT with chain-drive final. Real-world fuel economy was between 60 and 80 MPG (4 and 3 l/100km) , from the 453cc or 354cc engines, respectively. They sold for around $3500 at the time ($13,000 in 2025 dollars) and only a few electric ones were ever ordered, but allegedly nobody went for the diesel, presumably because that option was a hefty $1000 extra. Most of them were classified as motorcycles, however allegedly some were titled as passenger cars.
Looking at this unit, we can see its red exterior and black vinyl interior are in seemingly good condition.
The seller tells us in this listing and on their website that it has the larger 453 gas engine and has only traveled about 10,000 miles. They say that it was most recently owned by a collector who “…had it gone over…” which suggests maintenance and servicing of some kind.
We’re also told that it comes with a shop manual and clear title. We’re not shown any images of the engine compartment. Not mentioned but shown in the pictures are what look like some extra windows.
In thinking about this unit and seeing the others for sale, including multiple write-ups by my esteemed colleagues here, it seems that many are in agreement with my assertion that these quirky, oddball machines were a product of their time and are historically significant but not something that you’d want to spend a lot of time in, particularly in today’s traffic on modern roads. While 80 MPG is fascinating to consider, any speed or length of time on modern roads in a 1/8th-inch fiberglass box while sitting in front of a lawnmower engine is not for the faint of heart. I dare say that, by modern standards, it’s more of an all-weather go-kart.
That’s what I think, what do YOU think? Let me know in the comments!
I think the freeway is the last place I’d want to use one of these. Becky in her 8,000 pound Tahoe would run right over you whilst turning around to yell at her iPad kids. Johnny would do the same in his lifted dually Ram after a night out with drinking buddies.
Forget the big SUV’s and pickups. Little Bobby in mom’s Kia Rio would blast you into the Netherworld, when he crashes into you, while texting his girlfriend.
So it only holds one clown.
Beach cruiser.
Such a dumb idea then, worse now. Cramped, no air or heat. Rode awful. Don’t even get me started on safety in a crash. No reverse gear. Handle horribly. Brakes almost nonexistent. If you ever got up a hillside, would you be safe coming down? People got a little crazy during the 70s gas crunches. No one really knew where it was going to end, but this approach was pure insanity. I know, only half the cost of a normal car as priced then, but it wasn’t anywhere near half a car in comparison, a tenth maybe, on a good day to be charitable. This was only good for some high school kid to goof around in and drive to school in a very small town with almost no traffic. Any more than that and you were/are, asking for poor fortune. Only buy this for a collection to display. It never should see a public roadway.
I’m afraid to look!
Reminds me of a one line joke by which comedian I can’t remember.
Why do we Drive on the Parkway and Park in the Driveway?
I believe the comedian prophet George Carlin said this.
No, it was Strven Wright
I don’t thing those are “extra” windows. Looking at the photos, I’d say those are THE windows.
I know it’s not a Corbin…but you could turn it into a “Gold member” tribute car. Maybe add a flamethrower to the exhaust for hot-rod shows or as a defensive measure for tailgaters.
Interesting find, never saw one.
There were several vehicles made in the US along these lines around this time. This one reminds me of an updating of the Czech Velorex which actually had a 20 year production.
Paint it brown, put a giant shoestring on the hood, and, Viola, instant clown car!
Fly back and drive it home using the old highway system would make for a interesting road trip Wonder what States you would be required to have a motorcycle helmet.
Reminds me of the Dale.
https://time.com/5935209/lady-and-the-dale-true-story/
A Velorex in Chicao
Only a madman would get anywhere near a freeway with this! Good parade vehicle, though.
That was a strange time in the automotive world. This is your reminder of why there are safety regulations. It looks like a cousin to Stan Mott’s Cyclops.
Don’t show us the motor. Keep that a secret. Ashamed of it?
Interesting…
Weird…
Interesting…
Weird…
No thanks. If I want to go 3 wheeling, I will buy another CanAm Spyder.
No one seems to have any qualms about crashability and/or being visible when it comes to bicycles, motor scooters or motorcycles, just quirky cars.
Interesting.
Is it the red color, or the profile from the side. If I squint a bit, I think I am looking at a Tesla? But of course this was designed decades before the Tesla.
To JMB#7: how do you find any resemblance between this 1981 HMV, and a Tesla?
I should be more specific. I am talking about the model Y. Short nose, and bulbous high roofline. Take a side view and overlay the two images. Much less so for the X, and definitely not for the 3 and the S.
To JMB#7: how do you find any resemblance between this 1981 HMV, and a Tesla? (just curious)
I wanted one of these when they came out. Glad I managed to not pull it off. Would be interesting if someone took one completely apart, upgraded everything and posted the progress on YouTube.