I have a soft place in my heart for James Bond movies starring Roger Moore. They tend to be over the top affairs (“Moonraker” immediately coming to mind), but within their campiness is a simple plot structure where 007 saves the day and gets the girl. They are not cinematic masterpieces, or even the best 007 movies, but Roger Moore is a solid Bond and to me is the best representation based on the Ian Fleming novels. Towards the end of the Roger Moore era, we were gifted “Octopussy,” a 1983 movie that was bad by 007 standards and is largely forgettable except for a Tuk Tuk chase through India.
Per the 007 formula, James Bond escapes on a Tuk Tuk and makes the world a better place for all except the bad guys. I have never ridden in a Tuk Tuk — I’m not sure if they even exist in Phoenix — though it’s on my bucket list of random things to do in my lifetime. Side note: my bucket list is not adventurous or particularly challenging. I like to keep my goals achievable.
If good fortune comes my way, I will achieve my goal of riding in a Tuk Tuk but, until then, all I can do is window shop and think of 007 chase scenes.
The Pick of the Day is a 1983 Tuk Tuk Jolt listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Arlington, Texas. (Click the link to view the listing)
“Whether you are looking to transport customers around or just want to cruise around the city in something different, this thing has a ton of potential,” the listing states. “It is a 3-wheeled taxi, painted white with a matching white canvas top.”
This street-legal Tuk Tuk has been converted to an electric vehicle with an Electro Tech motor and features handlebar controls with brakes and a floor-mounted gas pedal. The dual bench seats are finished in a distinct multi-color motif that offsets the white exterior.
What you get with this Tuk Tuk is eco-friendly transportation with room for four. It’s not glamorous by any stretch of the imagination but it has flavor and a certain je ne sais quoi. As a taxi service, it’s ideal for travelers in a city environment who want to get around but don’t need a car as a means of transportation. For those that like funky and unique transportation with less carbon emissions, I would go with this EV Tuk Tuk.
The dealer is asking $9,000 for this electric-powered Tuk Tuk. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Source: www.classiccars.com