1972 VW-Powered Custom Trike

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Charles Griffin’s lifelong love affair with American cars began at sixteen when he restored a dusty blue Studebaker. The passion he had for that car followed him through the rest of his life. Over the years, the scale of his garage and projects grew in step with his love for cars. Ultimately, Charles built his own restoration paradise, complete with a paint room, body shop, show room and features that most gearheads only dream about. His sanctuary became a second home to his family and friends. The selection of fine automobiles offered here represents the passion, drive, and memories that Charles shared. Hagerty Marketplace is honored to present the Griffin Collection, offered entirely without reserve.

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Volkswagen-powered trike motorcycles emerged in the 1960s and 1970s as a creative fusion of automotive and motorcycle engineering. These three-wheeled machines typically used the rear drivetrain of the iconic VW Beetle, including its air-cooled flat-four engine and transaxle, mounted behind a custom motorcycle-style front end. The simplicity, reliability, and availability of VW components made them ideal for DIY builders and custom shops alike.

Trikes offered a unique riding experience—combining the open-air freedom of a motorcycle with the stability and power of a car. Builders often used Harley-Davidson or custom forks up front, while the rear end retained the VW’s independent suspension and drum brakes. The result was a distinctive, often flamboyant vehicle that became popular among counterculture enthusiasts and long-distance riders. By the 1980s, VW trikes had become a staple at motorcycle rallies and custom shows, with many featuring elaborate paint jobs, chrome detailing, and extended forks.

This trike was built in Charles Griffin’s shop by a friend, combining a Harley-Davidson frame and forks with a VW Beetle engine, transaxle, and rear suspension — a bit of a “Frankenstein” with a very Gothic theme.

Highlights

• Offered from The Griffin Collection

• Built in Mr. Griffin’s extensive shop

• VW Beetle engine, transaxle, and rear suspension

• Harley-Davidson frame, tank, and forks

Features

• Hand-crafted body

• Tank-mounted voltmeter and oil pressure gauges

• Billet hand grips, pedals, and other items

• Nexen 225/30-R20 rear tires on Hoyo wheels

Known Imperfections

• Please note that all of the lots in The Griffin Collection have been stored in a climate-controlled facility for four years without operation. The Hagerty Marketplace Team has confirmed that this vehicle starts and runs, however, as a result of their extended static display, all lots will benefit from additional mechanical attention before being driven to address any imperfections associated with long-term storage or individual preferences. All lots are sold as is, where is.

• Some small paint imperfections

Ownership History

This VW-Powered Custom Trike is offered from The Griffin Collection of no reserve automobiles.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Cason Vogel Phone: 904.504.7848 email: cvogel@hagerty.com