What Elio could have been

[DScott]

Hood pins. In the old days they used leather belts.

even for the mirrors....
(1927 Stutz)

 

[BigWarpGuy]

I like the side by side more than the tandem seating. Perhaps if the Elio was more like the Doran?
Doran - Three Wheelers .Com. Robert Q Riley Enterprises - Three Wheelers .Com
Doran photo.

 

[AriLea]

I like the side by side more than the tandem seating. Perhaps if the Elio was more like the Doran?
Doran - Three Wheelers .Com. Robert Q Riley Enterprises - Three Wheelers .Com
Doran photo.

Or better, a Doran body on a TriHawk chassis/drive/platform.
There are only three benefits in the USA for a sociable three wheeler. Trike=10-15% in weight, 2vs4 seats=10-20%in weight, slight reduction in complexity, driving in the diamond lane.
Oh yes, one more, novelty factor. (but you do loose some things)

Almost never is there an aerodynamic benefit above 50mph, or not much. the required angles don't support it.

(do you hear a barking dog? ... Oh Lordy, I'M the dog! WTH!!!??)

 

[smithsonssg]

Front rear seating in larger sidecars was common at one time . Made more efficient use of space. Much better aerodynamics.
Major reduction in width