For those who find the Morgan Three-Wheeler too British and old school, Utah-based Vanderhall offers a more modern American equivalent in the form of the Carmel autocycle.
Available in dealerships now as a 2020 model, the hand-built three-wheeled vehicle shares its patented aluminum monocoque chassis with the Vanderhall Venice, but adds doors and other amenities. Mind you, it remains a lightweight, tipping the scales at 1,595 lbs (723 kg). The 2020 Carmel offers three different trim levels: base Blackjack, standard trim, and fully loaded GT.
Priced from $34,950, the 2020 Vanderhall Carmel Blackjack is a builder’s level model, meaning it doesn’t offer much in terms of standard equipment. It comes with matte black body and exhaust, base 18-inch alloys, matte black interior traction plate and dead pedals. Cruise control, Bluetooth, and heated seats are also standard.
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In comparison, the standard 2020 Carmel priced at $39,950 is well-appointed. It offers machined 19-inch wheels, a choice of two body colors (Vintage Silver Metallic and Poseidon Blue), an upholstery made of durable tan V-Tex synthetic material, and a taller windshield. The paddle-shifter and cap shade are available as dealer-installed options.
For $43,950, customers can have the fully-optioned Carmel GT packing standard paddle-shifters, a cap sunshade, shorter and sportier windshield, tan leather upholstery and door panel trim, stainless-steel traction plates and dead pedals. Additional equipment includes boost and transmission-gear gauges, gloss black 19-inch 10-spoke wheels, a polished 3-inch exhaust system, and the choice of two exterior colors, named Ruby Metallic and Pearl White.
Regardless of the trim level, all 2020 Vanderhall Carmel models pack a GM-sourced aluminum-block 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. With 194 horsepower at 5,700 rpm sent to the front wheels via a GM 6T40 sequential 6-speed automatic transmission, the Carmel sprints from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 138 mph (222 km/h).