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The 1970s were a troubling time for Detroit and the economy in general. Inflation, recession and the oil embargo all helped create a new demand for small, efficient and economical automobiles. The door was opened for some new blood outside of the Big 3, allowing for unusual minicars and three-wheeled creations to throw their hat in the ring.

The TriVette was one of those vehicles, designed and created by Bob Keyes. They were manufactured in Ventura, California, from 1974-1978 on a custom basis and designed to fit all state and federal motorcycle standards. Looking like the logo on the Seattle Seahawks helmet, it was designed to maximize fuel economy with its light weight and aerodynamic design. Advertised here at 61 MPG, the TriVette most likely would be mid-50s in the city and mid-60s highway providing great fuel economy for those 2-1/2 passengers. Most of the parts were taken from the Fiat 850 including the engine and drivetrain. As you can see from the ad for the TriVette that appeared in the February 1978 issue of Hemmings Motor News, 24 TriVettes had been made by that time. In the end, production topped out at 27 units, with two using turbocharged VW engines.