Airplane Shaped Auto Takes Off In Iowa

Airplane Shaped Auto Takes Off In Iowa FARM HOME Cars 8-2-17 It looks like an airplane but this low-priced cross between a car and an airplane stays on the ground. The new Litestar auto was developed by Wellbuilt, Inc., Carroll, Iowa. It's basically a motorcycle on a 16-ft. long bullet-shaped frame. The driver sits in front under an airplane-like bubble canopy that gives a wide view of the surrounding countryside. The car is outfitted with a 450 cc. Honda motorcycle engine with a 2-speed automatic transmission. Although it's not designed for fast acceleration, the car easily cruises at highway speeds or better, and has the capacity to go faster. The manufacturer says that the 123-in. wheelbase ù longer than many full-size autos ù gives the Litestar a better ride than most compacts. "The car is great for country driving because it gives you a wide panorama of the road and the surrounding countryside, almost as if you were in an airplane," says Darrel Crummett, manager of Wellbuilt, Inc. The car has a fiberglass body that requires a minimum of maintenance. The driver sits in front and the passenger sits behind. One drawback of current models is that there's no reverse gear. Crummett says plans call for this feature to be added in the near future, along with air-conditioning and a larger engine. The Litestar sells for $6,500. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Wellbuilt, Inc., Box 517, Carroll, Iowa 51401 (ph 712 792-6601).

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