Rare Project – 1984 Tritan A2 Aero Car

Post Listing Update: This Tritan did not meet reserve despite 12 bids up to $7,900 on eBay.

No, it’s not really a motorcycle. But that’s how it was classified because of its three-wheeled nature, and we’re going to run with it. The Tritan A2 was notable for having an incredible drag coefficient – just 0.15. Compare that to a period MR2, which had a Cd of 0.35. Amusingly, the only commercial “success” the A2 had was with Domino’s Pizza. The pizza company thought that this had potential as a low cost delivery vehicle, so they ordered 10 examples as a pilot project. Of the 10, it is believed that just 7 survive. Here’s #6, and it’s going to need some TLC.

Frankly, that’s pretty much where the Aerocar ended. If you’ve ever ordered a pizza from Domino’s, you know that the pilot didn’t move forward, and no other companies or private parties seemed to think that the A2 was worth purchasing. The OEM engine is an Israeli-built Savkel (aka Syvaro) 440cc air-cooled rotary motor which was good for 30 horsepower. The engine was paired with a belt-driven auto transmission, and the claimed top speed was 95 miles per hour. The key was the low weight figure of 900 pounds.

This example (VIN: 1T93PR305D1079006) is #6 out of 10, and it needs a restoration. The seller has the original engine but it’s not working – his or her plan was to just replace it with a “modern engine.” It will also need fiberglass work, paint, new tires, covers for the headlights and tail lights, and a few more things. The odometer shows 589 miles, and the sale includes plastic windows that were built for this Tritan but haven’t yet been installed. Is this worth saving? If so, will you be the hero this Aero Car needs?

If you want to know what this is supposed to look like, Bonhams auctioned chassis #10 with just 1.7 miles out of the Tupelo Automobile Museum back in April – it sold for $44,800(!) after the buyer’s premium.