The automotive world is full of oversized off-road vehicles designed to dominate terrain. Yet, Project Kahn’s Chelsea Truck Company just released something radically different: the Chelsea Rivet, a miniature off-roader that prioritizes agility and simplicity over brute force.
A Strikingly Small Package
At roughly the size of a bicycle, the Rivet is visually reminiscent of a vintage roadster crossed with a farm tractor. It sits high off the ground on wire wheels with 17-inch tires, completely exposed to the elements with no roof, doors, or windshield. The single-seat cabin is spartan, featuring just a few switches for lights and two gauges behind a three-spoke steering wheel. The gearknob is notably mounted outside the tub, emphasizing the vehicle’s raw, unfiltered approach to driving.
Mechanical Honesty in Action
The Rivet rides on a steel ladder-frame chassis and is powered by a modest 125cc gasoline engine, likely sourced from a motorcycle. Despite its 7 horsepower output, the vehicle weighs just 230 kg (507 lbs), allowing it to reach a claimed top speed of 37 mph (60 km/h). The three-speed semi-automatic gearbox includes reverse, completing the package of no-frills functionality.
Chelsea Truck Company claims the Rivet is “quick enough to feel thrilling without ever becoming intimidating.” Disc brakes on all four wheels and grippy tires complete the build, suggesting it might actually deliver on its off-road intentions.
Pricing and Origins
The Chelsea Rivet is available for order at £4,000 ($5,461) before taxes. However, online research suggests Chelsea Truck Company may be importing the vehicle from another manufacturer. A U.S.-based retailer lists a similar 90-inch (2,286 mm) roadster for $4,499.95.
The Chelsea Rivet isn’t about conquering mountains; it’s about enjoying the thrill of open-air driving in a package that turns heads and defies expectations. It’s a statement: sometimes, less really is more.
