The 1951 Hoffman three-wheeler brings disgrace to the world of asymmetrical cars, as there was no real function to it being different from one side to the other – it looks a bit like dodgy panel beating, welding or design (or all three).
If the VW Type 1 was nicknamed the Beetle, then it’s very clear the Hoffman wasn’t very popular because it more deserving of that now iconic nickname – in fact, only one was ever made.
There is surprisingly little actual information about it online. Apparently, according to Microcarmuseum, it was created by one M. Hoffman who built it between 1949 and 1951.
The engine was a 200cc single-cylinder that put out 6.5 hp. This was fed exclusively to the single rear wheel which also did the steering. The gearbox had three cogs to choose from and its top speed was 45 km/h.
It’s really rather dreadful whichever way you look at it, with leaf springs at the front and the requirement for contortionist skills when climbing aboard…
The Hoffman was recently tested by Jalopnik’s Jason Torchinsky and he has more on why he thinks it’s the worst car ever.