Can You Name All of These Three-Wheeled Vehicles From an Image?

By: Robin Tyler
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Name All of These Three-Wheeled Vehicles From an Image?
Image: noktao / Pixabay

About This Quiz

Cars come in all weird shapes, sizes and designs. A particular favorite, especially post-World War II, was the three-wheeler, mostly in a microcar form.

But three-wheeled vehicles, which remain popular today, have a long history which dates back to the dawn of motoring. In fact, the vehicle that many describe as the first production vehicle made was a three-wheeler. Back then, in the 1880s, it must have seemed the most obvious design, with the front wheel effectively becoming the steering point and replacing the horse that would have accompanied a horse-drawn carriage.

Three-wheeled vehicles continued to be built and were again popular in the 1920s but most certainly the 1930s.

Following World War II, many Germany companies that had manufactured aircraft during the war now started to make cars, with tiny three-wheelers the most popular. And it's not difficult to see why. Small, low running costs and certainly looks played a part in their popularity.

But it didn't stop there either. Three-wheeled vehicles, although not mainstream, certainly were a niche market, with some even becoming popular in TV shows such as 'Only Fools and Horses' and 'Mr. Bean'.

But would you be able to identify a three-wheeler model just from an image?

Let's test your knowledge of these niche market vehicles!

Benz Patent-Motorwagen
Wiki Commons by Martin Dürrschnabel
Let's start with an easy one. Which three-wheeler is shown in this image?
Benz Patent-Motorwagen
BMW Isetta
Reliant Robin
Morgan F4 Open Tourer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Many auto historians believe the Benz Patent-Motorwagen to be the very first production automobile. It was produced in 1885 and built until 1893. During that time, 25 were made.

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BMW Isetta
8832037 / Pixabay
Cute, isn't it! Can you name it?
Benz Patent Motorwagen
BMW Isetta
Reliant Robin
Morgan F4 Open Tourer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mini cars have a certain charm, and perhaps the most famous of them all is the Isetta. Interestingly, this was not a BMW design, but built under license. BMW built the Isetta between 1955 to 1962. Not all, but some were three-wheelers.

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Reliant Robin
Wiki Commons by Andrew Bone
Often appearing on TV, which three-wheeler is shown in this image?
Benz Patent Motorwagen
BMW Isetta
Reliant Robin
Morgan F4 Open Tourer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Reliant Robin is famous for appearing in the TV series "Mr. Bean" and becoming a space shuttle in a "Top Gear" episode. It was also very popular in the United Kingdom and produced for periods between 1973 and 2002. Most were powered by 750 or 850 cc engines. The Robin was also built under license in Greece.

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Morgan F4 Open Tourer
Wiki Commons by Arpingstone
It sure is pretty, but can you name the make and model of the three-wheeler in this image?
Benz Patent Motorwagen
BMW Isetta
Reliant Robin
Morgan F4 Open Tourer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Produced in the 1930s by the Morgan Motor Company, the F4 used a Ford engine, originally used in the Model Y. This model was produced right up until 1952.

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Goliath GD750
Wiki Commons by Lothar Spurzem
A three-wheeled truck ... yes, they did exist. What was this one called?
Goliath GD750
Morgan F4 Open Tourer
Benz Patent Motorwagen
Reliant Robin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This three-wheeled truck was manufactured between 1949 and 1955. It had two wheels at the rear and a steerable single front wheel.

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Davis D2 Divan
Wiki Commons by Jaydec
Only 13 of this strange-looking three-wheeler were built in the late 1940s. Name it, please.
BMW Isetta
Morgan F4 Open Tourer
Goliath GD750
Davis D2 Divan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Certainly an interesting-looking three-wheeler, the Davis D2 Divan was manufactured between 1947 and 1949. Only 13 were ever built.

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Daihatsu Midget
Wiki Commons by Mytho88
The three-wheeler in this image is a ____________
Benz Patent Motorwagen
Daihatsu Midget
Davis D2 Divan
Goliath GD750
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Two generations of the Daihatsu Midget have been produced from 1957 to 2002. Only the first generation, made from 1957 to 1972, were three-wheeled vehicles. It was used as an auto rickshaw, but truck and panel van versions were marketed as well.

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Bond Bug
Wiki Commons by Charles01
It's not a doorstop but a micro car ... and with three wheels. What is it?
Daihatsu Midget
Bond Bug
Benz Patent Motorwagen
Goliath GD750
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Built between 1970 and 1974 in the United Kingdom, the Bond Bug has a distinctive wedge shape with the canopy lifting up and forward to let the driver in. It was powered by a 700 cc motor coupled to a 4-speed manual gearbox.

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Pembleton Supersports
Wiki Commons by Brian Snelson
A modern three-wheeler with an aluminum skin covering. Do you know the make and model?
Bond Bug
Davis D2 Divan
BMW Isetta
Pembleton Supersports
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A modern three-wheeler, the Pembleton Supersports is a 3-wheel cycler car that weighs less than 300 kg thanks to its stressed aluminum skin. Over 500 kits have been sold of this vehicle.

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Mazda T2000
Wiki Commons by TTTNIS
Another three-wheeler truck. Which company produced it between 1957 and 1974 and what model is it?
Mazda T2000
Pembleton Supersports
Bond Bug
Morgan F4 Open Tourer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The T2000 was a three-wheeler truck produced by Mazda between 1957 and 1974.

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Messerschmitt KR175
Wiki Commons by Alf van Beem
Name this three-wheeler that is actually based on an invalid carriage.
Daihatsu Midget
Mazda T2000
Pembleton Supersports
Messerschmitt KR175
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Messerschmitt was an aircraft manufacturer in Germany during World War II. After the war, they turned their hand to making cars with their first model, the KR175 produced from 1953 to 1955. This vehicle was actually a longer model of an invalid carriage made by Fritz Frend. 15,000 were built over a three-year period.

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Peel P50
Wiki Commons by Philip (flip) Kromer
The smallest production car ever built is shown in this image. Name this three-wheeler, please.
Messerschmitt KR175
Peel P50
Goliath GD750
Mazda T2000
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Peel P50, the smallest production car ever built was made for a period from 1962 to 1965 and again from 2010 to present. It is light enough for the driver to move around, hence it has no reverse gear. The P50 is capable of 45 km/h. An electric model is also available.

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BMW 600
Wiki Commons by Greg Gjerdingen
Name the three-wheel vehicle shown in this image, please.
Peel P50
BMW 600
Benz Patent Motorwagen
Davis D2 Divan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Based on the two-seat Isetta microcar, the 600 microcar was bigger and could seat four occupants. It was the first four-person car produced in Germany after the war but was not much of a success in terms of sales. The 600 was powered by a 600cc engine.

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Campagna T-Rex
Wiki Commons by Mr.choppers
Still in production after it was first introduced in 1988, this three-wheeler is called a __________
Pembleton Supersports
Campagna T-Rex
Mazda T2000
BMW 600
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With power from an inline 6-cylinder BMW engine, the Campagna T-Rex produces a healthy 160 brake horsepower. This three-wheeler has been in production since 1988.

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Aptera 2e
Wiki Commons by Alison Cassidy
Sadly this futuristic looking three-wheeler never went into production. Any idea as to what it would be called?
Campagna T-Rex
Messerschmitt KR175
Peel P50
Aptera 2e
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Certainly very futuristic-looking, the Aptera 2e has never entered production. Electric driven, the 2e was claimed to reach 0-60 mph in under 10 seconds and have a top speed of 85 mph. I guess we will never know if those figures were true.

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Corbin Sparrow
Wiki Commons by Terrible Tim
This three-wheeler has appeared in Austin Powers: Goldmember. Can you name it?
BMW 600
Aptera 2e
Corbin Sparrow
Reliant Robin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A battery-driven vehicle, the Corbin Sparrow certainly has a unique shape. It has a range of up to 40 miles and a top speed of 70 mph. The Sparrow has appeared in a number of Hollywood movies including "Looper" and "Austin Powers: Goldmember."

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Piaggio MP3
Wiki Commons by FaceMePLS
Classified as a scooter, name this three-wheeler, please.
Corbin Sparrow
Daihatsu Midget
Bond Bug
Piaggio MP3
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A three-wheel scooter, the Piaggio MP3 was first introduced in 2006. A range of models powered by 125 cc right up to 600 cc engines are available. A plug-in hybrid was also introduced in 2009.

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Volkswagen GX3
Wiki Commons by Covinan
Still only a concept, sadly, can you name this three-wheeled vehicle?
Volkswagen GX3
Piaggio MP3
Bond Bug
BMW 600
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A concept car by Volkswagen, the GX3 was first shown at the LA Motor Show in 2006. Sadly, the GX3, powered by a 1.6-liter straight six engine, remains a concept ... for now.

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Scammell Scarab
Wiki Commons by Sicnag
Do you know the maker and name of this three-wheeled truck?
Scammell Scarab
Volkswagen GX3
Daihatsu Midget
Pembleton Supersports
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Built between 1948 and 1967, the Scammell Scarab is a 3-wheel vehicle used by the British military as well as rail transport services.

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Daihatsu Bee
Wiki Commons by JasonVogel
The first ever passenger car produced by this company was a three-wheeler, pictured here. Do you know who manufactured it in the 1950s and what it was called?
Piaggio MP3
Corbin Sparrow
Scammell Scarab
Daihatsu Bee
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A 2-door coupe, the Daihatsu Bee was produced in Japan for a two-year period from 1951 to 1952. It was immediately recognizable for its long hood and was powered by a 540 cc gasoline engine.

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Bond 875
Wiki Commons by Charles01
The three-wheeler shown here is a _______________
Daihatsu Bee
Bond 875
Morgan F4 Open Tourer
Davis D2 Divan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before they built the Bug, Bond produced the 875 for a period from 1965 to 1970. Available as a 2-door saloon or van, the 875 was powered by 875 cc engine capable of 34 brake horsepower. The 875 could reach an impressive 80 mph.

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Messerschmitt KR200
Wiki Commons by Lothar Spurzem
Over 55,000 units of this bubble car were produced in the 1950s. Can you name it?
Goliath GD750
Mazda T2000
Messerschmitt KR200
Bond 875
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Messerschmitt were an aircraft manufacturer in Germany during World War II. After the war, they started to produce cars with the KR175 their first model. It was followed by the KR200, which was manufactured from 1956 to 1964.

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Reliant Regal
Wiki Commons by Niels de Wit
This three-wheeler was so light, you could drive it with just a motorcycle license. Name it, please.
Messerschmitt KR200
Reliant Regal
Peel P50
Campagna T-Rex
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Produced between 1953 and 1973, the Regal was Reliant's precursor to the Robin. Due to its lightweight nature, it could be driven with a motorcycle license.

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Twike
Wiki Commons by Spielvogel
First introduced in 1986, this three-wheeler made use of human and battery power. Do you know what it is called?
Twike
Reliant Regal
Aptera 2e
Volkswagen GX3
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A human electric hybrid vehicle, the Twike was first seen in 1986. It has an electric motor and sets of pedals, allowing the driver and passenger to contribute toward the range of the electric engine.

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Zap Xebra
Wiki Commons by Infrogmation of New Orleans
This three-wheeler had two configurations - sedan and pickup. Do you know what it was called?
BMW Isetta
Messerschmitt KR175
Twike
Zap Xebra
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Launched in the United States in 2006, the Zap Xebra was available as a sedan and pickup! It was produced between 2006 and 2009. In 2013, all 2008 models were recalled and owners refunded due to a safety issue with braking.

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Carver
Wiki Commons by Detectandpreserve
Name this three-wheeler that comes with an automatic balancing system.
Zap Xebra
Carver
Daihatsu Midget
Pembleton Supersports
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Produced between 1999 and 2009, the Carver uses an automatic balancing system to keep the vehicle upright. It is powered by a 660cc turbo-charged engine which produced 60 brake horsepower.

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Harley Davidson Servi-Car
Wiki Commons by Berthold Werner
You should easily identify this motorcycle three-wheeler. What is it?
Twike
Carver
Bond 875
Harley Davidson Servi-Car
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Manufactured by Harley Davidson, the Servi-Car, a 3-wheel trike was produced by the company from 1932 to 1972.

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Mazda K360
Wiki Commons by Taisyo
Can you tell us the make and model of this three-wheel truck?
Mazda K360
Harley Davidson Servi-Car
Daihatsu Bee
Scammell Scarab
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A 3-wheel truck, the K360 was produced by Mazda between 1959 and 1969. Over 280,000 were made.

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CityEL
Wiki Commons by Reise Reise
Still in production today, name this three-wheeler that first hit the streets in 1987.
Mazda K360
BMW 600
CityEL
Peel P50
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

First introduced in 1987, the CityEl is still built today. This three-wheel electric car has a range of around 56 miles and is powered by a 4.5 kW electric motor. It originated in Denmark but is now made in Germany.

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Heinkel Kabine
Wiki Commons by Lothar Spurzem
Identify this three-wheeler for us, please.
Reliant Regal
Heinkel Kabine
Zap Xebra
CityEL
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Another German micro car, the Heinkel Kabine was built in Germany between 1956 and 1958 before it was built under licence by Trojan cars in the United Kingdom from 1960 till 1966. Later models, which weighed only 243 kilograms, were powered by a 200 cc motor.

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Peel Trident
Wiki Commons by 1779Days
Time once voted this three-wheeler one of the worst cars ever. Do you know what it is?
Harley Davidson Servi-Car
Heinkel Kabine
Mazda K360
Peel Trident
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Only 45 Peel Tridents were produced between 1965 and 1966. With its bubble canopy, the Trident certainly had a cute factor. Time magazine, however, ranked the Trident as one of its 50 worst cars ever made.

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Reliant Ant
Wiki Commons by Ian Roberts
Do you know the make and model of this three-wheeled pickup truck?
Reliant Ant
Peel Trident
Corbin Sparrow
Volkswagen GX3
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A 3-wheeled pickup truck, the Reliant Ant was in production for a 20-year period between 1967 and 1987.

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CLEVER
Wiki Commons by Mick
This project three-wheeler runs on natural gas. Can you tell us what it is called?
Reliant Ant
Carver
CLEVER
CityEL
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A project between the University of Bath, BMW and others, CLEVER is a tilting 3-wheeler. CLEVER stands for compact low emission vehicle for urban transport. It runs on natural gas.

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Scott Sociable
Wiki Commons by Buch-t
This three-wheeler was manufactured in the 1920s. Can you name it?
Scott Sociable
CLEVER
Mazda K360
Heinkel Kabine
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Produced between 1921 and 1925, the Scott Sociable was certainly a unique looking 3-wheeler.It was powered by a 578 cc engine and around 200 were made.

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Sinclair c5
Wiki Commons by Charles01
A massive flop, which three-wheeled vehicle is picture here?
Scott Sociable
Reliant Robin
Sinclair C5
Peel Trident
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sir Clive Sinclair was a leading designer in micro-personal computers. He then decided to launch a car - the C5. Launched in 1985, this battery-driven 3-wheeler was an utter failure. Only 5,000 of the 14,000 made were produced with many citing its poor speed, low range and lack of waterproofing as a turn-off.

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Dymaxion car
Wiki Commons by Starysatyr
Beautifully strange! Sadly, only three units of this three-wheeler were ever produced. What is it?
Sinclair C5
Dymaxion car
Morgan F4 Open Tourer
Messerschmitt KR200
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's sad that only three prototypes of the Dymaxion were ever produced. Just look at it, it is a thing of beauty. Only one original survives today.

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Brütsch Mopetta
Wiki Commons by Vauxford
The three-wheeler pictured here is the _________________
Brütsch Mopetta
Dymaxion car
Peel P50
BMW 600
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Germans certainly loved micro cars, and after World War II, many were produced including the Moptetta from Brütsch. Only 14 were ever made.

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AC Petite
Wiki Commons by Mighty Antar
This car was first produced in the United Kingdom in 1952. Name it, please.
AC Petite
Brütsch Mopetta
Bond Bug
BMW Isetta
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Powered by a rear-mounted 350 cc engine, the AC Petite was by AC cars (yes, they supplied the bodywork for the AC Cobra) between 1952 and 1957.

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Allard Clipper
Wiki Commons by Buch-t
This three-wheeler had problems and never went into production. What is it?
Sinclair C5
Allard Clipper
AC Petite
Scott Sociable
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Clipper meant to be a competitor to the Bond Minicar in the 1950s. This 3-wheel microcar was powered by a 346 cc engine that produced 8 brake horsepower. Amazingly, it could seat three adults but it never went into production because of many troubles including driveshaft problems as well as overheating worries.

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Libelle
Wiki Commons by Buch-t
This vehicle was manufactured in Austria in the'50s. Name it.
Allard Clipper
Reliant Robin
Daihatsu Midget
Libelle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Built in Austria between 1952 and 1954, the Libelle was a 3-wheeled micro car powered by a 200 cc engine.

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noktao / Pixabay