Vanderbilt Cup Races

The cover of the November 1976 issue of Popular Mechanics.

In the 1960’s the father-son duo of aeronautical engineer James Amick and his son Doug developed a 3-wheeled aerodynamic vehicle with a large arch at the rear, which they dubbed the “Amick Arch”.

They revealed the prototype in 1969 calling it the “ DJ-1 Windmobile”. The Arch design provided the prototype with a very low drag co-efficient that enabled the vehicle to be very fuel efficient while using an inexpensive low horsepower engine.

With the aid of multiple batteries, electric motors and 'apparent wind' (see description below), the Windmobile could achieve 40-50 mph on the road.

The 'Apparent wind' description and how it helps propel the Windmobile.

Note the canopy opening which hinged the canopy to the rear.

The additional solar panels mentioned at the end of the article did finally appear on later designs.

Mana La, co-designed by James L. Amick, components built by Douglas J. Amick; sponsored by John Paul Mitchell Systems for the first ever World Solar Challenge cross-country race in Australia, 1987.

Additional Amick photos Here.

The Solitair A4, designed and manufactured by Douglas J. Amick, at Epcot Center, Walt Disney World, Florida 1994.

The Amick A135

After the Windmobile, the Amicks developed the Tritan A135 in the late 70's.

The A135 canopy was now 'clamshell' style and hinged to side and the distinctive arch was lost in favor of two 'sails' on either side.

Tritan A2

The final, 1984 3-wheeled iteration was the Tritan A2. It looked like a rocket, but without the speed to back up the looks. It takes a bit to get up to speed and 0-60 times can be timed via sundial. Nonetheless, Domino's founder Tom Monaghan was impressed by the uniqueness of the vehicle and ordered 10 for a pilot delivery car program. Unfortunately, Tritan went out of business and the Domino's program fell by the wayside with all 10 cars donated to various museums.

All that is left are 7 of the 10 original 1984 Tritans, with only 2 or 3 in full driving condition.

The 3rd canopy opening on the A2 would glide forward and is arguably the most elegant of openings.