Why pay 26 grand to drive on 4 wheels, when for the same money you could drive on 3? And who needs a front seat, or a back seat? Why not just one? And if we're getting rid of the seats, why not chop off all 4 doors too?

It sounds ridiculous, but ridiculous is exactly what the Vanderhall Speedster is supposed to be. Manufactured in the USA, the Vanderhall company specializes in the modern, 3 wheeled vehicle niche. The Speedster is the newest of their lineup, as well as the simplest and the cheapest, at only $26,000. And for anyone who needs a celebrity stamp of approval, the Vanderhall Venice (which the Speedster is built around) was featured on Jay Leno's Garage back in 2017.

The Speedster may lack some general practicality, but it effortlessly makes up for that with its unique style, incredible handling, and ridiculous fun.

So with all that in mind, let's take a peek at the Vanderhall Speedster and see if it really is the ultimate 3 wheel car.

Under The Hood

A Vanderhall Speedster cruising down the coast.
Via: Rob Report

Truth be told, when the numbers and figures are spelled out on paper, the Speedster doesn't sound all that speedy. It has a 1.4L turbocharged engine that puffs out about 175 horsepower, paired to a 6 speed automatic. In essence, it's a Volkswagen Jetta. There's nothing wrong with the VW, it's a very fuel-efficient vehicle, but it's not incredibly exciting. But once you put the pieces together, the Vanderhall gets very exciting.

With the Speedster weighing well under a ton, and the weight pressing down hard on those front tires, you'll find yourself jolting from 0-6o in about 4.5 seconds. That's faster than the Caterham Super Seven 1600, a modern version of the classic, super-lightweight kit car. And that shabby little 6 speed mentioned earlier comes fitted with a sequential shifter, giving the Speedster that manual feel so many drivers desire.

Related: These 5 Three-Wheelers Are Surprisingly Fun To Drive (And 5 That Are Beyond Dangerous)

The Three-Wheeler Market

A Vanderhall Speedster parked on the road.
Vanderhall

As mentioned before, a potential buyer in the 3 wheeled car market isn't on the hunt for a practical vehicle, or even a sensible vehicle. They want something that's killer to look at and thrilling on the road. The Vanderhall is, to put it simply, both. It's styled after an aircraft fuselage, with the grille of a vintage racer, but still manages to sprinkle in subtle hints of modern improvements. Like the 18" rims.

The car rides low to the ground, which is a crucial element to maintaining stability in a vehicle missing a 4th wheel (which some would argue is also a crucial element of stability). That, and the aluminum pushrod front suspension, keeps the Speedster from slipping and tipping around corners.

Related: 15 Sickest Three-Wheeled Cars You Never Knew About

Some Vanderhall Advantages

You'd be surprised, but there is an odd and unusually large variety of three-wheeled vehicles. Many automakers have experimented with the concept of "less is more" (when it comes to wheels) through the years. They were futuristic, unique, and above all else cheaper, though not every three-wheeler ever produced was a winner.

Nowadays, people don't buy three-wheelers because they're cheaper, they buy them because they're awesome. Who could blame someone for wanting a fun, slightly unreasonable toy to play with? The Vanderhall certainly fits well into the market, and even edges out some other competitors, despite the fact that it only has one seat instead of two.

A Polaris Slingshot blasting down the highway
Via: Polaris

Most three-wheelers have two seats, like this Polaris Slingshot pictured above. Even some obscure trikes like the Morgan 3 Wheeler or Bond Bug have room for a passenger, which makes the Speedster a unique exception to the rule. For some customers, a second seat is a necessary evil. They need to have space for their significant other, or room to pick up their kid from school.

But let's say the special someone in your life thinks three-wheeled cars are "dangerous" or "unwise." An extra seat would be nothing more than a waste of space. And while I've been saying that the Vanderhall Speedster isn't that practical, in comparison to the other three-wheelers, it actually is. There's a decent side trunk installed where a passenger should be, which gives you more cargo space than your average three-wheeler (which has a glovebox).

A Can-Am Spyder F3 being flung around a bend.
Via: Woman Rider

Another big advantage to the Vanderhall is that it doesn't require any special licensing to drive. Pictured above is the Can-Am Spyder F3 which is, in all fairness, a totally different beast. It's a 3 wheeled motorcycle but according to insurance, a lot of 3 wheeled vehicles are. Yes, there are plenty of strange insurance rules and guidelines, but because these cars a missing a 4th wheel, they're less of a car and more of a bike. Yet you don't need a motorcycle license to operate a Vanderhall or any special driving classes. If you have a license, you can drive the Speedster.

Lastly, the Vanderhall Speedster is built to be fun for whoever owns it, and nobody else. That's why it only has one seat. It's your vehicle, your toy, you don't have to share it with anyone. Then all the neighborhood kids will get jealous and want one for themselves.

A Vanderhall Venice, the two seater Vanderhall for the practical 3 wheeled car buyer.
Via: Motor1

But if only one seat is too much of a deal-breaker, fear not. Vanderhall has an extensive lineup of two-seater 3 wheeled vehicles, some with more power, and others with electric drivetrains. You're not limited to the Speedster, but if you're looking for pure pleasure, it's the obvious choice.

Next: Vanderhall Carmel: The Affordable Three-Wheeler That's Changing The Game