Doran
A Gas or Electric Three Wheel Car

Also See...

Designer, Rick G. Doran, conceived this state-of-the-art three wheel sports car, then spent the next six years developing, refining and testing the design.  It's one of the most thoroughly tested plans-built cars around.  The Doran is a front-wheel-drive (FWD) design that uses the entire drivetrain from a 1980-89 Subaru Hatchback. Leave the stock 1800 cc Subaru gasoline engine in place for the gas-powered version, or replace the IC-engine with an electric motor for the electric-powered version.  Either way, the engine or motor supplies power through Subaru's 5-speed manual-shift transmission to the two front wheels.  And with much of the vehicle's total weight concentrated on the front wheels, Doran has extra road-grabbing power where it counts.   
         Doran's double wishbone front suspension, and a center of gravity that places about 70 percent of its weight on the front wheels (74 percent on the electric and 69 percent on the gas version), gives the vehicle its surefooted cornering capability.  Overturn resistance is equal to that of a Honda Civic.  During skidpad tests, the Doran turned in 0.8-g cornering capability.  

Electric Version

         The electric version uses an off-the-shelf series wound dc motor, deep cycle lead-acid golf cart batteries, and a transistor chopper for smooth speed control.   In-town range is about 60 miles.  Batteries can be recharged overnight using a conventional 110-volt charger.  Cost of electricity calculates out to 3 - 7 cents per mile, depending on local utility rates.  Acceleration of the electric version is about like that of the original VW Beetle - 0 to 60 mph in 10.9 seconds.  Cruising speed is 60 mph, and maximum speed is just over 80 mph, which makes the car equally at home on the freeway or on surface streets.

Gasoline Version

         Due to its low 1280-pound curb weight, the gasoline-powered version actually out performs the original Subaru that supplies the power train.  Power to weight ratio using the 82 hp Subaru engine works out to 16 pounds per horsepower.  So the Doran will accelerate through the gears from 0 to 60 mph in just 8.7 seconds.   Freeway cruising turns in excellent fuel economy - about 50 mpg, which is due mainly to the vehicle's low rolling resistance and clean aerodynamics.  If you're looking for real sports car excitement, plus good fuel economy, the gasoline-powered Doran is the way to go.

How it's Built

         Doran uses a simple backbone frame that runs down the center of the vehicle.  The front suspension is a custom-made double wishbone system that uses stock automotive hardware, along with coil-over shocks from a 1987 Honda Prelude.  Rack-and-pinion steering comes from a Subaru. A simple trailing arm rear suspension, mounted in stock automotive control arm bushings, carries the single, non-powered rear wheel.  
         Doran's foam-core fiberglass body is built similar to the way Tri-Magnum's body is built, but with slightly different materials and techniques.  The body is first built of foam, and then it's fiberglassed over to create a super-strong, high-impact  enclosure.  This construction method, in combination with the design's simple backbone frame, results in an easy-to-build and exceptionally lightweight vehicle.  The gasoline version weighs only 1280 pounds, and the electric version weighs just 1490 pounds.  

Contents of the Plans

         Complete assembly instructions and 16 drawings are bound into an 8-1/2 x 11 inch, 95-page construction manual.  The manual explains design considerations, three wheel vehicle stability factors, chassis construction details, and it takes you step-by-step through the construction of the body.  It also explains what tools are required, and it reviews the various types of fiberglassing systems and techniques.  Construction details for both the gasoline and electric versions are included.  And a final chapter explains how to build your own custom body design.  Parts suppliers are listed in the back of the manual.    Doran's professionally prepared and printed construction manual is richly illustrated with over 100 photos and drawings.