The Thrift-T was designed by the Tri-Wheel Corp of Oxford, North Carolina. (USA) and was manufactured by the Tri-Wheel Motor Corp, Springfield, Mass. (USA) from 1948. The original vehicle was designed as a three seater for commuting though by 1955 the Thrift-T was also available with a pick up body, an enclosed delivery van and an open top utility vehicle that could seat up to five people with additional room for luggage.

The vehicle pictured is powered by  an Onan twin engine and has a Crosley drivetrain with a 3 or 4 speed gearbox. The body is made from steel.