When the paths of car design and innovation intersect, the outcomes can often transcend the ordinary, veering into the extraordinary—or in the case of vehicles like the 1985 Tritan A2 Aero Car, the wonderfully peculiar. Conceived by Tritan Ventures in Ann Arbor, Michigan, this aerodynamic marvel was engineered with a singular vision: to revolutionize fuel efficiency through advanced aerodynamics.
The Tritan A2’s design was nothing short of futuristic for its time, boasting a sleek, fiberglass composite monocoque chassis, tandem seating for two, and a forward-sliding canopy that provided access to its interior. Perhaps its most distinctive feature was a mysterious rear loop, purportedly capable of generating power from the wind. Underpinning this aerodynamic prowess was a 440cc air-cooled rotary engine, crafted by the Israeli firm Syvaro, which delivered 30 horsepower. The A2’s design enabled it to achieve speeds up to 95 mph and offered an impressive fuel economy of 80 miles per gallon, thanks to a drag coefficient of just 0.15—a figure that signifies less air resistance and thus, greater efficiency.
Domino’s Pizza saw potential in the Tritan A2 for its delivery fleet, driven by the promise of cutting delivery times with the vehicle’s high efficiency and unique design. A deal was struck with Tritan for the production of 10 prototype A2s, with plans for a larger rollout that unfortunately never materialized. Despite its initial promise, the Tritan A2 did not continue in Domino’s delivery service, leading to the donation of these vehicles to automotive museums across the country.
Today, the Tritan A2 Aero Car is a rare find, with only a handful believed to still exist, primarily preserved within museum collections or in the hands of private collectors. This peculiar vehicle, classified as a motorcycle due to its three-wheel layout, remains a fascinating piece of automotive history. It exemplifies the lengths to which designers and engineers will go in the pursuit of innovation and efficiency, even when the road to widespread acceptance and success proves elusive.
The Tritan A2 Aero Car not only reflects the experimental and often unpredictable nature of automotive design but also serves as a reminder of the industry’s constant evolution and the endless quest for better, more efficient modes of transportation. Whether viewed as a quirky footnote in the history of delivery vehicles or as a pioneering effort in aerodynamic design, the Tritan A2 Aero Car continues to captivate the imaginations of car enthusiasts and historians alike.
Source:
