Muscle cars are great. I mean, what’s not to love? They drip attitude, and they offer performance that will pin you back in your seat. Of course, I could easily use those exact words to describe this 2005 Ecstasy Renegade. We’ve seen some wild vehicles over the years here at Barn Finds, but this one rates up there with the best of them. It isn’t unusual to see trikes powered by the venerable VW flat-four, but finding one with a small-block Chevrolet V8 is a different kettle of fish. The performance potential is hard to fathom, and I suspect it could send many classic muscle cars away with their tails between their legs. If you feel the need for speed, you will find the Renegade located in Blaine, Ohio, and listed for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. You could rumble off down the road on this beast by handing the owner $21,500.
The Renegade Trike Corp is a company that operates out of Clarksville, Indiana. They have been in the business of creating high-quality trikes for around thirty-eight years, and it seems that there is no limit to their imagination or creativity. The quality of their workmanship is first-rate, and that is clearly visible with this Renegade. Its base is a hand-finished rectangular tube frame, and bolted to this is something that sits halfway between a classic trike driver’s compartment and a traditional convertible. One of the shortcomings of most motorcycles and trikes is that they don’t offer operator protection when the weather turns nasty. That is one area where the Renegade trumps the opposition. Not only does the top keep the rain away, but the zip-up door prevents spray from entering through the sides. The top is in excellent condition, as is the glass. The paint looks impressive, while the body features the convenience of a lockable trunk. The vehicle’s overall condition has undoubtedly been helped by the owner’s decision to garage it since new. The trim and chrome shine beautifully, and those wide rear wheels suggest that this trike might have some serious power to apply to the road.
This Renegade features a drivetrain combination that beggars belief. Starting at the front, we find a 350ci Chevrolet small-block V8 that started life in a Corvette. Its specifications aren’t clear, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it churns out 300hp. All of those ponies find their way to the road via the rear wheels, a TH-350 automatic transmission, and a Ford 9″ rear end. That drivetrain would offer stunning performance in a classic sports car. In a vehicle that would weigh a long way short of 2,000lbs, we can only imagine how rapidly it accelerates. In the right conditions, it would have the potential to humble even the most brutal muscle cars. Apart from the blinding speed, one of the great attractions from a mechanical perspective is that the drivetrain would be under-stressed. It isn’t lugging enormous weight that can place strain on components, so with a mere 28,535 miles on the clock, it should offer years or even decades of faithful service to its new owner.
All the comforts of home. That probably describes the Renegade’s interior reasonably well. The owner will find themselves settling back into a contoured bench seat that can accommodate three people with the breeze flowing past like on a conventional motorcycle. However, if the trip calls for a spot of musical entertainment, there is a CD player with a nice set of 6″ x 9″ speakers to pump out the tunes. The weather suddenly turns cool? No worries. Simply zip the doors and wind up the heater for a warm and comfortable ride. There’s even a couple of cupholders to keep your beverage of choice safe. I think that I can safely say that this classic is better equipped than my first car! Not only does it pack some features, but the condition is difficult to fault. The seat upholstery looks flawless, while the same is true of the carpet and rubber mats. The presentation of the remaining interior components like the gauge cluster and chrome is to the same standard. It is evident that the Renegade has been in the care of a meticulous owner for its entire life.
Companies like the Renegade Trike Corp don’t survive for close to four decades if the products they produce don’t pass muster. New examples represent a significant outlay for potential buyers, and these individuals demand something first-rate for their money. This 2005 Renegade isn’t new, but its condition is excellent, and it will cost its next owner less than half the price of a new one. It offers head-turning looks and mindblowing performance potential. If owning a trike has always been on your Bucket List, this one could be perfect for you.
Sorry, but this one looks like it should come with a mowing deck attachment.
But you could do the back 40 in a new york minute.
I’m sure that could be arranged. This should be a Sunshine State mower.
I’d like to see a head-to-head matchup between this and the Flathead-powered Mini Cooper featured yesterday
For the biggest abomination? That would be a vote too close to call.
Steve R
estupido but to each his own I guess
Butt ugly, no thank you. It has no style at all.
Not my cup of tea, GLWS.
Put the pedal to the metal in that thing and you’ll go from Ecstasy to Agony in a hurry.
Looking at this creation makes one wonder, what posesses some people. The phrase ¨To each, his own¨ was coined by someone who saw this.
Why does the word contraption pop into my head when I see this?
I wouldn’t be surprised if next door to the Renegade trike Corp. is the Renegade funeral home…
I had the pleasure of riding a Boss-Hoss with a 350 and actually felt pretty comfortable (w/the exception of the width) but can’t imagine being at ease in this. Adam mentioned driving in the rain; even cRaZiEr!!
you really shouldn’t drive a trike in the rain, especially one that uses car tires. Same goes for the Boss Hoss due to the square profile back tire. They hydroplane to easily. In the dry, you’d be much safer on the Renegade than a Boss Hoss, simply because it handles much better.
“They have been in the business of creating high-quality trikes for around thirty-eight years,”
Pretty low bar to get over. Kind of like producing a “high-quality” kit car
I’ve always been a fan of trikes, both production and custom, especially big and powerful ones! If half my garage wasn’t populated by a Can Am Spyder, I’d buy this.
A bit aerodynamically “challenged.” I’ll rely on discretion and keep my opinion of it’s looks to myself.
Seems like a development prototype bashed together by the engineers, without ever making it to the styling department. It looks like a piece of industrial equipment, and not in a good way. I hope it’s at least fun to drive, though I suspect “fun” may be code for “terrifying.”
Yes but how do you keep the front wheel on the ground? I would think wheelie bars would be mandatory here.
I am very interested in a Renegade. Is there a cover for the engine?
As far as I know, there are no engine covers made for the Renegade/Ecstasy models. A good fabricator might be able to fashion one for a few $1000. I run mine year round, rain and snow, and the only issue I had was when my throttle cable froze up after some freezing rain. I keep a heat gun in my tool box, so not a big deal.