From its base in Plankstadt, Germany, the Three Wheel Factory left an interesting mark on the automotive world during its brief but impactful run from around 2004 to 2009. Established by Martin Preuss, the company quickly made waves with its innovative approach to three-wheeler design. Among its notable creations, the Street-Ray stands out as a symbol of cutting-edge design and engineering, largely due to the influential input of the iconic designer Luigi Colani.
The roots of the Three Wheel Factory can be traced back to Martin Preuss’s ventures in the late 1990s. Preuss, an industrious entrepreneur, founded H&P Trading in 1998, focusing initially on importing quads, scooters, and beach buggies from China. Disheartened by the subpar quality of these imported vehicles, Preuss, who had been deeply involved in the professional tuning of 2- and 3-wheelers for decades, decided to channel his expertise into creating a vehicle from scratch.
Teaming up with automotive technician Ralf Seitz and supported by his machine building company Technop, Preuss’s team unveiled their first model, the T-Bike, in 2004. This marked the beginning of a new chapter, culminating in their collaboration with Luigi Colani, a figure renowned for his avant-garde design philosophy.
The pivotal moment for the Three Wheel Factory came in October 2004, when Preuss met Luigi Colani at an exhibition in Karlsruhe. Colani, celebrated for his revolutionary design principles, became instrumental in the development of the Street-Ray. The chance encounter between the two visionaries would lead to one of the most distinctive vehicles of its time.
Colani’s involvement was not merely advisory; his influence permeated every aspect of the Street-Ray’s design. Following their initial meeting, Colani quickly got to work, transforming Preuss’s rough sketches into a stunning, fully realized design. Within a day, Colani had returned a detailed design for the Street-Ray, which Preuss eagerly approved.
The design process was an intensive collaboration. While Colani’s studio in Karlsruhe worked on crafting the prototype body, Preuss’s team in Plankstadt developed the vehicle’s chassis. The final prototype, painstakingly hand-crafted from plaster and polystyrene and coated with synthetic resin, was mounted on the chassis for rigorous testing. This meticulous process, supported by TÜV experts to ensure compliance with German regulations, culminated in the Street-Ray’s debut in April 2006.
The Street-Ray is a testament to Colani’s visionary approach and Preuss’s engineering prowess. Its design was revolutionary, characterized by an extremely low center of gravity and a striking geometrical shape that ensured exceptional road stability. The vehicle was powered by a 460cc engine, which contributed to its high performance and driving pleasure.
Street-Ray Specifications:
Engine & Performance:
Type: 1-cylinder, four-stroke, water-cooled
Capacity: 460 cc
Power: 29 kW
Top Speed: 90 km/h
Dimensions:
Length: 3660 mm
Width: 1950 mm
Height: 1000 mm
Wheelbase: 2630 mm
Weight: 350 kg
The Street-Ray’s design ensured that it stood out on the road, not just in terms of aesthetics but also in its driving dynamics. Its unique shape and low center of gravity provided an unparalleled driving experience, combining exceptional design with real-world performance.
While the Street-Ray was the flagship model, the Three Wheel Factory also developed other notable vehicles:
- T-Rod:
Aimed at delivering a high-performance driving experience akin to a formula racer, the T-Rod featured a range of engines from 656 cc to 1255 cc and boasted top speeds exceeding 130 km/h.
- TerZo:
The TerZo was the pinnacle of the Three Wheel Factory’s offerings, equipped with powerful 4-cylinder engines ranging from 1250 cc to 1340 cc. It achieved top speeds of up to 275 km/h, representing the ultimate blend of speed and engineering.
Though the Three Wheel Factory was only active for a short period, its impact on the three-wheeler market was significant. The Street-Ray, with its bold design and impressive performance, remains a testament to the successful collaboration between Martin Preuss and Luigi Colani. Their innovative approach and commitment to quality set a new standard for three-wheeled vehicles and left a lasting impression on automotive enthusiasts.
The Street-Ray and its related models show how thoughtful design and careful engineering can lead to impressive vehicles. Luigi Colani’s input made sure the Street-Ray stood out as a unique and memorable three-wheeler.
