The Most Fun on 3-Wheels: Vanderhall Venice

As my friends and family know, I have a thing for cars…trucks, motorcycles…and now autocycles. The Autocycle class of motor vehicle has been around for a while but with more companies jumping on the ship for these lower cost and “middle” regulated (somewhere between a motorcycle and a car) vehicles, allows smaller boutique manufacturers to get in on the action.

…I have a thing for cars…trucks, motorcycles…and now autocycles

What’s an Autocycle? Take a look at this recent brief article and video explaining what they are from Motortrend. So what is a Vanderhall? I would argue the best looking Autocycle available! Sort of a Retro Modern look with aviator style switches, wooden steering wheel, but performance rims and tires. Paired with a 1.4L 4-cylinder turbo charged GM sourced motor, this ride has modern brains but an old school roadster feel! It is also an automatic, but with an optional “bump shifter” (see the polished steel ball on the left in the picture below?) to allow for some control of the 6-speed transmission (also GM sourced). The stock motor has a great tuned sound out the lake pipe exhaust on the sides, and the turbo swoosh sounds amazing with acceleration or downshift with the bump shifter. 🙂 There is also a growing list of aftermarket tuning parts (since this is the same motor in a Chevy Cruze) and accessories from Vanderhall and 3rd party companies!

“So what is a Vanderhall? I would argue the best looking Autocycle available! Sort of a Retro Modern look with aviator style switches, wooden steering wheel, but performance rims and tires. Paired with a 1.4L 4-cylinder turbo charged GM sourced motor, this ride has modern brains but an old school roadster feel!”

The cockpit is snug laterally (two broad shoulder guys are going to be close. See the Jay Leno video below), but there is LOTS of leg room (I’m 6’4″ but fit totally fine). The creator of Vanderhall is 6’6” so he made sure it would fit tall people. The vehicle is front-wheel drive, which really helps with the handling (as does the wide rubber in the rear!) and there are no doors on the Venice model, so you just step right in. I did get the storm cover which covers the entire windshield, cockpit and rear end to keep water out while parked outside. It also keeps people out…I have heard from several owners who have returned to their Vanderhall in the parking lot with someone inside taking pictures!

Vanderhall is an American company located in Provo, Utah. They build each Autocycle there and are growing their dealership network throughout the world. Currently in Colorado, they have two! Also Jay Leno’s Garage reviewed the 2017 Vanderhall Venice a couple years ago when they were new. It is a great review and is embedded below. Also shows you that two larger than average men can fit 😉

Tech Dad CO’s Take:

“There is no rational reason to get a vehicle like this, other than pure want.”

There is no rational reason to get a vehicle like this, other than pure want. This is an extra vehicle, much like someone who gets a motorcycle (and it is priced in the higher end of motorcycles.) Is it awesome, yes. Does it get looks, YES. The craziest part about this ride is that it gets looks from ALL AGES, demographics, ethnic backgrounds, genders, etc. And it is NOT just looks, universally you get a thumbs up or someone yelling out their window, asking for a ride. I wish I had this in my single teen and 20’s years 🙂

Please let me know your questions and comments below. Happy to continue the conversation. Also happy to give free rides in my hood!