by The World of Off-Roaders Has Been Joined by an Unusual Compact Car
A new player has appeared on the market, radically different from massive SUVs with powerful engines. It proves that true driving pleasure does not always depend on size and power.
Chelsea Truck Company, known for its modified Land Rover Defenders, has introduced a unique development. This car focuses on minimalism, compact dimensions, and what the manufacturer calls “mechanical honesty.”
Key Features of the Compact Off-Roader
Design and Construction
The Chelsea Rivet model is roughly the size of a bicycle. Its design combines features of a vintage roadster and a small agricultural tractor. The car sits on wire-spoke wheels with 17-inch tires and has high ground clearance. It lacks a roof, doors, and a windshield, so the driver is completely exposed to all weather conditions.
The interior is also kept in a minimalist style. The dashboard houses only a few switches for LED lighting and two gauges behind the three-spoke steering wheel. The single seat is large enough for an adult driver, and the gear lever is positioned outside the cabin.
Technical Features and Dynamics
The car is built on a steel frame and powered by a 125cc gasoline engine, likely of motorcycle origin. Despite its modest 7 hp power, the Rivet weighs only 230 kg, allowing it to reach a top speed of about 60 km/h (37 mph). The transmission is semi-automatic, with three forward gears and one reverse.
According to Chelsea Truck Company representatives, the Rivet is “fast enough to be exciting, but never becomes scary.”
The braking system consists of disc brakes on all four wheels, and the all-terrain tires make it suitable for off-road travel, at least in theory.
Price and Availability
The Chelsea Rivet is already available for order. Its price in the UK is £4,000 (approximately $5,461) excluding taxes. Some sources indicate that the car may be produced by another company, with Chelsea Truck Company merely importing it. Simultaneously, a US-based store offers a similar model, 90 inches (2286 mm) long, at a discounted price of $4,499.95.
The appearance of such a vehicle highlights the trend towards creating accessible, simple, and emotional cars that offer an alternative to complex and expensive technologies. This is not just a means of transportation, but rather a tool for deriving pleasure from the very process of driving, reminding us of the fundamentals of automotive culture. Similar projects often find their audience among those who appreciate mechanical simplicity and a direct connection with the road, regardless of its surface.
