Another three wheeler popped up on my radar today when I noticed a Vanderhall Laguna for sale. It’s a car bodied reverse trike, somewhat like a Morgan, but engineered for today based on current technology and materials. It’s pretty impressive, unfortunately the Utah government and the auto dealers in the state have so far, successfully, prevented the vehicle from being sold direct, which the company would like to do. It looks like Tesla isn’t the only company running into very old laws preventing a streamlined buying experience.
The Vanderhall Laguna has a very light all aluminum, hand welded frame with a carbon fiber body. Power comes from a GM 1.4 liter VVTi turbo 4 cylinder producing 200 horsepower and 200 pound feet of torque. Weighing only 1550 pounds the little roadster should deliver lively performance. It has a six speed paddle shift transmission, electric power steering and heated seats to keep you warm on the cold days. The hand sewn interior has a very high end appearance.
Today’s production technologies make vehicles like this possible, even from small manufacturers, while yesterday’s dealer laws keep the general public in many states from being able to buy them. Tesla’s battles around the country on this front are better known, but Vanderhall is running into the same brick wall. I expect things will change over time, however don’t expect dealers to give up easily, so unless you set up an extensive dealer network, getting your product out to the buyers will be difficult.
Even with all of those hurdles, the trike itself seems to be very well engineered and offers Made in the USA competition to the Morgan currently being built in the UK. I hope the company can get the in state direct sales process sorted out, but you can buy one in most other states right now. Nice!
Vanderhall Laguna on eBay
Pushr0d says
$77,000! I think I prefer a four-wheeled ragtop, probably for a lot less money. Like, I could buy two Miata’s for that money.
Paul Crowe says
Seems to be in the very well optioned Morgan ballpark, though I could be wrong. It takes the right buyer.
Scott says
Yes, but you would have two Miata’s.
GenWaylaid says
Interesting that this is front wheel drive (note the CV boot in the last picture). It seems like that’s becoming the preferred drive type for car-like three wheelers (the later Apteras, Elio). That makes sense, as you essentially have a FWD car with one fewer rear wheel.
So, given that this trike has side-by-side seating, does that mean it’s affected by the proposed NHTSA rules change? There may be a very limited window to buy a three-wheeler like this before they’re required to meet all the same crash requirements as a four wheeled car.
blackbird says
Except for the King midget front styling it looks good. An expensive toy and why not if you’ve the means.
Mike von Collas says
That front end looks like its been designed to slice and dice pedestrians. Otherwise a nicely engineered and put together trike. Not that light, 1550lb = 700kg. My blackjack ZERO weighs in at 450kg + 1000lb. I guess that’s the price you pay for a windscreen, doors and a roof.
erik hendriks says
for those who can afford it. I found the front design not ugly but looking cheap or want to be.
cyclox says
I wonder if they can sell it without the wheels and call it a “kit” in order to get around the dealership issue.
Scott says
I saw one of these in Laguna Beach! Sounded nice.