** Update below **
Frank Mayes a farmer-mechanic, of Fayetteville, AR., built this three-wheeler from scrap Ford and Chevrolet parts over a 22 month period as a way to beat the post-war car shortage. The press photo is dated July 8, 1948, and the caption with it tells us that both driving and braking are controlled by the front wheels while the single rear wheel carried the steering duties. At the time in trial runs he had attained a speed of 55 mph with it.
We did find the same photo and similar description in Popular Mechanics of Mayes and his car. Interestingly with a patent search it was found that he had patented his design. Can any of our readers supply more information about this one-off ? The Old Motor photo.
** Update **
In August of 2007, chaddilac a graphic designer from Muskogee, OK., who posts on The H.A.M.B., was helping his father do some surveying on a property, and took these photos of what is clearly the remains of Franks Mayes car in Stigler, OK.
A month or so later he went back to check on it and found the the people that owned the property had moved and took it with them. So it appears to have survived and hopefully it has been saved. If any readers learn any more about it please keep us posted. Thanks to the H.A.M.B. members who put the pieces of the puzzle together. Photos by chaddilac.
Did it have name? Outside of the unorthodox design the vehicle is quite striking from a styling point of view. It reminds of something inspired from Flash Gordon or Buck Rogers.
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A fellow HAMBER, Chadillac, found the remains of this vehicle, but alas the property owners took it with them. I am forwarding this info to the HAMB, hoping this vehicle can be found and saved yet again!!!
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=200438
Apparently it was found in someone’s yard around Muskogee, OK a few years back.
No it was found in Stigler, OK… If I get down there again I’d like to find the old owners and ask them about it.
Frank Mayes is my mothers 1st cousin. my dad has drove the care in 1948. i played in this car in the 50′s when I was a kid. I would like to hear from who owns this car. I have two other photos of this car.
Hi James,
Thats amazing you grew up with this car!
I would love to see the other photos you have of it.