This isn’t our first Total Recall car, but it’s the first “sporty” two seater. Apparently, this started life as a Trimuter kit car before being modified for the 1990 film.
The seller provides a fair amount of information on the builder, who was a custom builder and restoration specialist of some note, but doesn’t provide any information on running gear. Based on aesthetics, we bet this is a non-runner and based on a quick search on the Trimuter, it looks like this was originally powered by a “16-hp, two-cylinder industrial engine.” Which one? Who knows?
Would you take on this project? The end result will be a true oddball with the dubious bonus of a strange movie connection. Is that enough of a reward for you?
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Tampa, FL, USA
$4,850 with 14 bids, reserve not met and 0.5 days to go
Unique design and questionable ingress!
There’s nothing else quite like this, for better or worse.
Yes, the canopy-type roof opens.
Single flip-up headlight probably doesn’t flip, these days.
Rear visibility is not a strong suit. Cloudy windshield means there’s not any front visibility, for that matter. Is that hole for cooling?
Interior needs some love, but most of it is present.
We’re not sure what originally sat in front of the passenger.
Here’s the unidentified engine.
Serial #1001!
Ad text:
Movie Car From “Total Recall”
Design & Built by Mike Fennel for Arnold Schwarzenegger Film
With a budget between 50 and 65 million in 1990, Total Recall was one of the most expensive films made at the time of its release – not surprisingly it debuted at number one at the box office. No expense was spared and this included bringing to screen some innovative and futuristic car designs to the film. Acclaimed custom car designer and restorer Mike Fennel was brought in to meet their needs, and his name appears as a “Production Credit” for “picture vehicles” for the film Total Recall.
For Auction Today
“Mike Fennel Enterprises” was retained to develop several cars for the film with each one bearing the identification tag for his company and the number built. This particular car has this badge affixed to the driver’s side area of the cockpit opening showing it to be serial number 001.
This custom built car is based on a modified design of the 3-wheel “Trimuter” by Robert Riley. Fennel Enterprises purchased Robert Riley’s original show car and modified it to become the movie car for Total Recall. The front and rear rims, interior and other items exactly match the car for auction. After the film was completed, the show car was kept by Mike Fennel until his passing in 2012 at which time it was sold at public auction. From there it made its way from California to the team at Undiscovered Classics and Forgotten Fiberglass in Tampa, Florida.
Once restored, this would make a great piece for a museum. It would also be a fun addition for the automobile collector who wants something a bit different to enjoy and share with others. You’ll have the only one at every show you attend. This car is being sold “as-is” in unrestored and non-running condition.
Links of Interest
Article: Hemmings – The Futuristic Cars of “Total Recall” – Behind the Scenes
Article: The Cars of “Total Recall”
Article: Best Movie Cars – Cars in “Total Recall”
Article: Car Restorer “Mike Fennel” Remembered
Article: The “Trimuter” by Robert Q. Riley
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Shown Below Are Photos of The “Total Recall” Car Being Auctioned in this Sale