HM Vehicles Free-way

The H-M-Vehicles Free-Way (H-M meaning high mileage) was a three-wheel microcar manufactured in Burnsville, Minnesota, from 1979 to 1982.[1]

HMV Freeway vehicles, 2010
H-M-Vehicles Free-Way
Overview
ManufacturerH-M-Vehicles Inc.
Production1979–1982
AssemblyBurnsville, Minnesota
DesignerDave Edmonson
Body and chassis
ClassMicrocar
Body styleCoupe
LayoutRMR layout
RelatedD&A Minikin [1]
Powertrain
EngineTecumseh single-cylinder engine
*12 hp model: 345 cc (21.1 cu in)
*16 hp model: 453 cc (27.6 cu in)[2][1]
permanent magnet DC motor, 4 hp[3]
TransmissionCVT, no reverse gear
Dimensions
Length115 in (292 cm)[3][4]
Width53 in (135 cm)[3][4]
Height51 in (130 cm)[3][4]
Curb weightgasoline: 700 lb (318 kg)[4]
electric: 900 lb (408 kg)[5]

These small commuter cars had a single seat and were powered by a 12 or 16 horsepower gasoline engine[2] or a 4 hp electric motor.[3] A diesel engine was offered,[2][3] but none were ordered with it.[2]

The 12 HP version was guaranteed to get 100 mpg‑US (2.4 L/100 km; 120 mpg‑imp)[2][3] when driven at a steady 40 mph (64 km/h).[2] The 12 HP version averaged 80 mpg‑US (2.9 L/100 km; 96 mpg‑imp), and the larger 16 hp averaged 60 mpg‑US (3.9 L/100 km; 72 mpg‑imp) to 70 mpg‑US (3.4 L/100 km; 84 mpg‑imp). The standard fuel tank had a capacity of 3 US gallons (11 L)[3][6] while a 10 US gallons (38 L) tank was optional.[3]

The engine was mounted behind the driver and was coupled to a snowmobile-style CVT belt drive transmission. Final drive to the rear wheel was by chain. The gasoline-powered Free-Way did not have a reverse gear in its transmission.[2][3] An electrically powered reverse drive was offered as an option,[2][3] but was never made available.[2]

Front view

The Free-Way had a welded tubular steel frame, with a secondary perimeter frame at bumper height to protect the driver from impacts. Suspension was fully independent, with two wheels in front and a single wheel in the rear. The fully enclosed two-piece fiberglass body was approximately 0.125 inches (3.2 mm) thick and had the colour molded into the material and was available in high-visibility red, yellow, or orange.[3] The lower body included a full undertray to reduce the drag coefficient of the vehicle.[3][6]

The Free-Way had a single headlight and per federal standards were intended to be licensed as a motorcycle, but in some states they were titled as cars.[7]

About 700 Free-Ways were sold before the company closed in June 1982.[8]

See also

References
  1. "HM Vehicles Freeway". 3-Wheelers.com. Retrieved 2011-11-05.
  2. "High Mileage Vehicles - A New Technology: Page 6". Clubs.hemmings.com. Retrieved 2011-11-05.
  3. Frey, Peter (December 1979). Dianna, John (ed.). "Driving Impression - "Free-Way" Commuter". Motor Trend. Los Angeles, CA 90069 USA: Petersen Publishing. 31 (12): 44–45. ISSN 0027-2094.CS1 maint: location (link)
  4. "Leo's Garage: Free-Way Maintenance". Leostoys.com. Retrieved 2011-11-05.
  5. "Tim Medeck's 1981 H-M Vehicles Freeway". Evalbum.com. 2004-03-16. Retrieved 2011-11-05.
  6. "High Mileage Vehicles - A New Technology: Page 5". Clubs.hemmings.com. Retrieved 2011-11-05.
  7. "The Freeway Newsletter Vol. 1 No. 5, June 1981" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-11-05.
  8. "High Mileage Vehicles - A New Technology: Page 9". Clubs.hemmings.com. Retrieved 2011-11-05.
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