Forgotten Domino's Pizza Delivery Trike Up for Grabs
A Rare Piece of Automotive History Hits the Auction Block: The Tritan A2 Three-Wheeler
The Tritan A2, a unique three-wheeled delivery vehicle from the 1980s, is up for sale on Bring a Trailer. This particular model is part of the 10 Tritan A2s that were sold to Domino's Pizza and has an interesting history.
Originally designed by Douglas Amick in 1984, the Tritan A2 was an evolution of his Tritan Aero 135. It was a futuristic vehicle, with a fiberglass composite monocoque, tandem seating, a sliding canopy, and a rear pizza oven. The A2 was powered by a 30 bhp 440cc air-cooled Wankel rotary engine, capable of achieving up to 80 mpg and a drag coefficient of 0.135, a feature that earned it its name.
In the 1980s, Domino’s Pizza was known for its 30-minute delivery guarantee, and the Tritan A2 was designed with that in mind. Capable of reaching speeds up to 95 mph, it was ideal for quick deliveries. However, despite its innovative design and fuel efficiency, the vehicle had practical downsides: no air conditioning, a cramped cockpit requiring drivers to climb in and out for every delivery, and reliability concerns with the Wankel rotary engine.
The Tritan A2 that is up for sale on Bring a Trailer has had an engine swap, with the original 440cc Savkel rotary engine replaced by a 670cc Predator V-Twin engine and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), offering improved drivability. The vehicle also boasts recent decals, as the original decals are absent in some images. It is worth noting that this Tritan A2 is not the original one with the decals seen on it.
This Tritan A2 three-wheeler is the 7th one in the history of the platform, according to the listing. It is a notable example of 1980s experimental automotive design aimed at specialized commercial use but ultimately hampered by practical limitations.
The current bid for the Tritan A2 stands at $4,500 with six days remaining. Interested buyers can visit Bring a Trailer's platform to place their bid or learn more about the vehicle.
The Tritan A2's story is a testament to the trials and tribulations of experimental automotive design. Despite its shortcomings, it remains a significant piece of automotive history and a collectors' item today.
References:
[1] The Tritan A2: The Domino's Pizza Delivery Trike That Failed
[2] Domino's Pizza's Tritan A2 Delivery Vehicle
[3] The Tritan A2: A 1980s Delivery Trike That Failed
[4] Tritan A2: The 1980s Domino's Pizza Delivery Trike
[5] The Tritan A2: A Look Back at Domino's Failed Delivery Trike
- In the world of unique lifestyle choices, the Tritan A2 is a rare piece of automotive history that has hit the auction block on Bring a Trailer, offering a glimpse into the experimental designs of the 1980s.
- The Tritan A2, with its swapped engine and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), has transitioned from a delivery vehicle into a collector's item, reflecting the evolution of technology and the interest in sports-betting platforms like Bring a Trailer.
- While the Tritan A2 may have fallen short in practicality during its prime, its futuristic design, reminiscent of sports-car aesthetics, has made it a sought-after gadget among car enthusiasts and collectors today.
