The Vanderhall Carmel is a three-wheel 194bhp roadster

By topgear, 10 October 2019
The Vanderhall Carmel is a three-wheel 194bhp roadster

The Vanderhall Carmel is an American, hand-built autocycle. We’re told this new 2020 model now has “a host of upscale amenities”, one of which now includes DOORS.

Unfortunately, being an autocycle means the amenity of a fourth wheel is out of the question, but heck, three will most definitely suffice. Just ask Morgan. In any case, this thing looks like a load of fun.

It is hand-built in America, using an aluminium monocoque chassis shared with the company’s 2016 ‘Venice’ autocycle. Drive is sent to the front two wheels using the motive force of a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-pot from General Motors. The aluminium-block motor pumps out 194bhp and is said to be ‘lightweight’; Vanderhall quotes a 75/25 weight distribution front to back.

That turbo four-pot is matched up to a sequential six-speed auto gearbox with paddleshifters, and Vanderhall has fitted equal-length half shafts to “create a positive on-centre steering response”. Weeeeeeee!

Brakes are actually pretty decent – high-performance four-piston calipers slot onto big brakes – there’s cruise control, Bluetooth, a heater (a heater!), and heated seats, all as standard.

The Vanderhall Carmel is a three-wheel 194bhp roadster
The Vanderhall Carmel is a three-wheel 194bhp roadster
The Vanderhall Carmel is a three-wheel 194bhp roadster

Doors. It now has two, that open backwards because that’s just cooler if we’re all honest with ourselves. Three trim levels are available – GT, Standard, and Blackjack. The top-spec GT gets something called a ‘cap sunshade’, a windscreen shorter “and sportier” than lesser Carmel models, tan leather, stainless-steel traction plates, boost and transmission gauges and a polished three-inch exhaust. Wheels come in rather large 19in variety, gloss black, and you can choose maroon as shown here, or a white body colour.

The Standard car gets slightly less – synthetic upholstery, a taller windshield, a lower price – while the Blackjack gets a custom black body wrap, and 18in wheels.

Prices? $34,950 (approx. RM147,000) for the Blackjack, $39,950 (approx. RM168,000) for the Standard, and $43,950 (approx. RM184,000) for the top-spec GT car. With the Morgan 3-Wheeler already in your heart, is there space for one more?

The Vanderhall Carmel is a three-wheel 194bhp roadster