Grand Design

Unique American three-wheeled cruiser

Under the skin of the Davis Divan.

And now for something completely different. Most will be aware of the post-wwii proliferation of austere minimalist contraptions designed to get the public back on the road using a minimum of scarce resources. Most designs possessed challenging characteristics that often involved small motorcycle engines and limited ergonomics.

No so the Davis Divan. It may have had a limited wheel count, but it was neither small, underpowered, nor uncomfortable. Its planned price was not absolute bargainbasement and it was a robust four-seater powered by a proper engine. Its creator’s objective was to look forward, rather than back, with a car that met its owners’ needs and aspirations without being constrained by convention.

A brochure claimed six respects in which the Davis excelled: ‘greater economy, smoother ride, complete streamlining, more visibility, more room and greater safety’.

Sadly, the company and its proprietor over-reached themselves. It ended in bankruptcy in 1948, alongside the similarly aspirational project of Preston Tucker. Both had attempted to bolster cashflow while preparing for production by selling dealerships before there were any cars to sell. In the case of the Davis, staff went unpaid and angry dealers besieged the plant. A sad end to an intriguing mission.