The SP Spi-Tri (Prototype). (My thanks go to Thomas Touw for sending in this photo.)

The SP Spi-Tri (Prototype). (My thanks go to Thomas Touw for sending in this photo.)

Structural Plastics Inc

Description

In the mid 1980’s Structural Plastics Inc, Oklahoma (USA) produced a prototype 3-wheeler called the Spi-Tri. The vehicle was created by using a Bond Bug shell and elongating it at the rear. The Bond Bug’s side canvas doors were also replaced with fiberglass doors. The vehicle was powered by an Elecxtro electric engine that gave the vehicle a top speed of around 50 mph and a range of 40 miles between charges. The Spi-Tri entered production but only a small number were ever made. The production version differed from the prototype as it included larger diameter wheels and had large impact bumpers at the front of the vehicle.




Version 2:

Spi-Tri Three-Wheeler
Is a three-wheel vehicle created in the mid 70’s by William Gillespie at Structural Plastics (USA), which was influenced by the Bond Bug with fibreglass bodywork and powered by an electric motor.

There appears also to have been a prototype powered by an Austin American petrol engine?

The bodywork was a conventional shell and included fibreglass doors in comparison to the Bond Bug that had a canopy opening and canvas doors.

MKII In 1980 a larger version was created able to carry more batteries and powered by a custom Baldor electric motor with a CVT transmission.
MKIII in 1984 a final prototype powered by a Daihatsu three-cylinder 993cc (40hp) engine.

Only a few prototypes vehicles were produced between 1975-84

Larry's Spi-Tri
Detailed Information
Detailed Description

In the mid 1980’s Structural Plastics Inc, Oklahoma (USA) produced a prototype 3-wheeler called the Spi-Tri. The vehicle was created by using a Bond Bug shell and elongating it at the rear. The Bond Bug’s side canvas doors were also replaced with fiberglass doors. The vehicle was powered by an Elecxtro electric engine that gave the vehicle a top speed of around 50 mph and a range of 40 miles between charges. The Spi-Tri entered production but only a small number were ever made. The production version differed from the prototype as it included larger diameter wheels and had large impact bumpers at the front of the vehicle.

Additional Information

Additional Information

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