Corbin Sparrow
The
Corbin Sparrow was a single-passenger, three-wheeled
electric vehicle designed specifically for commuters and innercity driving.
Powered by thirteen 12 volt batteries, the Sparrow had a range of 30 to 60 miles and a top speed of 70 mph.
Shaped and painted like giant jelly beans, the vehicles were so eye-catching that Hollywood star Mike Myers featured one in the movie Austin Powers in Goldmember.
History
In January 1996, Corbin Motors began work on developing the electric vehicle. In April, 1999, the Sparrow passed final testing for DOT Certification. In September of 1999, the Sparrow production line started manufacturing multiple vehicles.
Despite widespread enthusiasm about the "car", the Corbin Sparrow had major design flaws. The Sparrow was easily able to flip over and even would catch fire on the road when brake lines shorted out against a battery post.
On March 31st, 2003 Corbin Motors filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, effectively killing the future of the Corbin Sparrow.
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