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HM Vehicles Free-way

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(Redirected from HMV Freeway) Defunct American motor vehicle manufacturer Motor vehicle
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
Powertrain
EngineTecumseh single-cylinder engine
*12 hp model: 345 cc (21.1 cu in)
*16 hp model: 453 cc (27.6 cu in)
permanent magnet DC motor, 4 hp
TransmissionCVT, no reverse gear
Dimensions
Length115 in (292 cm)
Width53 in (135 cm)
Height51 in (130 cm)
Curb weightgasoline: 700 lb (318 kg)
electric: 900 lb (408 kg)

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

HMV Freeway vehicles, 2010

These small commuter cars had a single seat and were powered by a 12 or 16 hp (9 or 12 kW) gasoline engine or a 4 hp electric motor. A diesel engine was offered, but none were ordered with it.

The 12 HP version was guaranteed to get 100 mpg‑US (2.4 L/100 km; 120 mpg‑imp) when driven at a steady 40 mph (64 km/h). 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) while a 10 US gallons (38 L) tank was optional.

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. An electrically powered reverse drive was offered as an option, but was never made available.

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 color molded into the material and was available in high-visibility red, yellow, or orange. The lower body included a full undertray to reduce the drag coefficient of the vehicle.

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.

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

See also

References

  1. ^ "HM Vehicles Freeway". 3-Wheelers.com. Archived from the original on 2017-03-05. Retrieved 2011-11-05.
  2. ^ "High Mileage Vehicles - A New Technology: Page 6". Clubs.hemmings.com. Archived from the original on 2011-09-27. Retrieved 2011-11-05.
  3. ^ Frey, Peter (December 1979). Dianna, John (ed.). "Driving Impression - "Free-Way" Commuter". Motor Trend. Vol. 31, no. 12. Los Angeles, CA: Petersen Publishing. pp. 44–45. ISSN 0027-2094.
  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. Archived from the original on 2011-09-27. 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. Archived from the original on 2011-09-27. Retrieved 2011-11-05.

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