Closing date July issue -> May 19
Tribute to the tricycle
Harm Jan Bultena and his passion for self-construction
Three-wheelers have always had a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts. Think of the charming Lomaxes, quirky Morgan trikes and the robust Trikings – each with its own story. In our February issue of Auto Motor Klassiek we tell about the creative energy and craftsmanship behind these special vehicles. Harm Jan Bultena is one such man who had the urge to get started himself from a young age. Where others were satisfied with standard solutions, he decided to roll up his sleeves and build his own motor vehicles. What started with tinkering with a sidecar for his bike, quickly grew into a true passion for technology and self-construction.
From inspiration to personal development
The idea for his latest project came about in the most mundane of places: at the gas station. While taking a break, he got talking to an acquaintance who had been working on a tricycle project for years. That conversation immediately ignited a spark in Harm Jan. “Why not build a retro toddler like that yourself?” he thought. Soon the tape measure was pulled out and the first measurements were taken. With a few lengths of 20 mm square tubing and a good dose of courage, he built his own interpretation of a classic tricycle. In this way, an everyday encounter was transformed into the starting signal for a technical masterpiece.
Technical feat on wheels
What makes this project extra special is the mix of original and self-made parts. Harm Jan did not limit himself to standard solutions. For example, a Suzuki Alto was used as a donor for the steering box, steering knuckles and steering column, while MG wheels ensured a perfect connection with the road. Self-designed double wishbones, steering knuckles and a carefully constructed aluminium body give the vehicle an authentic look. Even the grille, which was chromed in Poland, is a sample of his own craftsmanship. And as if that were not enough, he experimented with a reverse gear, built from a VW starter motor and a reduction gear from an electric wheelchair. With so many technical gadgets and his own ideas, the result is a three-wheeler that impresses both on paper and on the road.
Surprisingly good: the experience on the road
During the test drive, Harm Jan's three-wheeler left no one unmoved. The RDW tester put it this way: "It drives surprisingly well!" The vehicle has a tight steering behavior and an acceleration that reminds you of a Max Verstappen feeling - low, stable and with a reassuring dose of self-confidence. The Italian V-twin, which is placed in the middle of the machine, responds smoothly to the throttle and produces a characteristic sound that fits the robust appearance. Even if you are not a seasoned self-builder, you will quickly notice that a lot of time, love and technical know-how has gone into this project.
Other three-wheeler projects and the heritage of the Twenties
Of course, Harm Jan’s story is one of many in the rich world of three-wheelers. Think of the classic Morgan replicas, which were once known as affordable but quirky road carts. Or the Lomax kits, where Nigel Whall with his “low costs, maximum performance” kits always offered an alternative to the expensive classics. And then of course we have the Triking, a project that goes back to the seventies and is strongly influenced by the three-wheelers of the Twenties. Each of these projects shows a different side of the passion for self-building and the homage to an era in which technology and design went hand in hand.
A new ride in history
The story of Harm Jan and his tricycle shows that self-building is more than just a hobby. It is a lively tribute to a time when craftsmanship and creativity were paramount. While the tricycle proves on the road that technique and feeling can go hand in hand, it reminds us that sometimes you just have to get to work yourself to create something special. Every part, every weld and every self-made detail contributes to a unique driving experience that you will not soon forget.
(The story continues below with the photos.)
It's a pity that there aren't as many people like Harmen Jan who have the passion and knowledge to make the traffic scene a lot more interesting and pleasant than it is now.