FYI: A Rare 1985 Tritan A2 Pizza Delivery Vehicle Heads to Auction in Las Vegas
Do Martians Fancy Pizza? Domino’s Pioneering Delivery Vehicle Might Be Ready
While we might never know if Martians enjoy a good slice of pizza, Domino’s Pizza founder Tom Monahan wasn’t taking any chances back in 1985. Monahan, from Ann Arbor, Michigan, commissioned a fleet of futuristic pizza delivery vehicles named the Tritan A2. Designed nearly four decades ago, these vehicles look like they belonged to a NASA engineer’s tinkering lab.
A Blast from the Past
The Tritan A2 was designed by engineer James Amick and his son Douglas. This unique three-wheeler features a striking arched rear wing and a sweeping, curved windshield reminiscent of an airplane cockpit. It was built with dual power options: a 440cc Syvaro SP-440 rotary gasoline engine and an electric motor, making it ahead of its time as a potential electric vehicle (EV).
Monahan ordered 10 customized Tritan A2s, each equipped with a warming oven to keep the pizzas hot. However, one of these rare vehicles, now devoid of its oven, is going up for auction in Las Vegas on November 10th.
Collector’s Item on Wheels
Current owner Chuck Synnott, who acquired the vehicle from a Domino’s Pizza franchise owner for approximately $25,000 in 2021, told CNN that the car’s low profile could be troublesome on rough roads, and its visibility is notably poor. Synnott mainly transports the vehicle on a trailer to car shows, where it captures considerable attention.
Despite its limitations, the Tritan A2 has proven to be a crowd-pleaser. With only a few of these vehicles left in existence, collectors are eager to see the results of the upcoming auction. Back in 2019, a similar model fetched $44,800 at auction.
From Dream to Reality
While Domino’s has moved on to other innovative delivery methods, the Tritan A2 holds a special place in automotive and pizza delivery history. In June, Domino’s introduced the "Rocket Man" jetpack delivery system at the Glastonbury Festival in the UK, accompanied by none other than Elton John. This cutting-edge delivery method was developed in collaboration with Gravity Industries, featuring a customized suit designed to keep both the pilot and the pizza safe and warm.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Tritan A2, officially classified as a motorcycle due to its three-wheel design and fiberglass construction, remains a testament to Domino’s innovative spirit. Administering 80 miles per gallon with its small engine, it showcases a blend of novelty and functionality. We can only speculate how it would fare on modern roadways like the New Jersey Turnpike.
For now, Chuck Synnott remains a proud owner of the vehicle and continues to celebrate its legacy. He purchased it by selling a replica of a custom Plymouth Volare wagon from the TV show "Fantasy Island," but he’s keeping his future plans, including potential new acquisitions, under wraps.
Conclusion
As the Tritan A2 heads to auction, it stirs curiosity and admiration in car enthusiasts and collectors alike. Whether it finds a new home among classic car aficionados or a unique museum display, this piece of Domino’s history undoubtedly leaves an indelible mark on the intersection of automotive design and fast food delivery innovation.
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Lawrence Jacobs, Editor of Automotive.fyi
