Dolphin (United States) - AllCarIndex

Dolphin Vehicles was an American automotive manufacturer based in California, active from 1990 until approximately 1993. The company focused on producing a unique vehicle known as the Dolphin Vortex, which was designed to be assembled by the owner from a set of plans. This approach allowed for a degree of customization and personal involvement in the construction process.

The Dolphin Vortex featured a distinctive design that included a triangulated plywood chassis supported by metal subframes, all enveloped in a body made of spruce and fiberglass. The vehicle's front suspension utilized double wishbones sourced from the Triumph Spitfire, complemented by coil/spring dampers, disc brakes, and an anti-roll bar for improved handling.

Power options for the Dolphin Vortex were versatile, allowing for the installation of various motorcycle engines. The prototype was equipped with a 4-cylinder 750cc engine from Kawasaki. Additionally, the vehicle could be powered by an electric motor, supported by a bank of eight 12-volt batteries, which provided a range of 40 to 80 miles on a single charge and enabled a top speed of 60 mph. The drive to the single rear wheel was facilitated by a Harley-Davidson toothed belt, showcasing the innovative engineering behind the vehicle's design.