Rare for a reason? A tale of two Thrif-Ts

Here’s another 50s microcar we never previously heard of.  The Thrif-T was a microcar with a 10HP Onan twin engine.  See the original ad associated with car #2: the manufacturer claimed three could travel in comfort with luggage.  We have our doubts.  We also like any ad that includes “It’s the same difference” as something of a slogan.

Here we have a funny situation where two of something “extremely rare” are both for sale on eBay.  According to a question in the ad for the second car, car #1 was claimed as the “only one remaining” until recently!  Anyway, these appear to be genuinely rare and it’s a fluke that two came up.

Car #1 is restored and thus might be the “gold standard” of Thrif-Ts!  We seem to have found it in this 2007 Hemmings article and also this 2010 Autoweek article.  As a matter of fact, most searches on Thrif-T lead to this car.

Click for eBay ad
$24,000 or best offer
Kingston, PA
– Posted by CG
Update:  Ended at $3,426 with 37 bids and reserve NOT met

Car #2 is in rough-but-hopefully-restorable condition, though the ad is frightening, considering it’s a project with a whopping two pictures, one of which is an ad, and very few words.  Still, anyone buying this sight unseen is taking a gamble, so maybe the assumption is that anyone serious will come look or send a professional to inspect it.

Click for eBay ad
Chicago, IL
$1,592.89 with 25 bids and reserve not met

Ad text #1

For sale is my 1951 THRIF-T made by the Tri-Wheel Motor Corporation in Springfield, MA. Company first started operation in Oxford,NC then moved to Springfield. There are only a few known examples to still exist 
It has been featured in around 7 magazine to date and if you check the new 2010 Old cars calendar for October you will see the car again, has been also on another calendar for 2009. Has a Senior Grand National Winner and has been nominated for the National award in 3 separate years. Car has a fantastic history around it and it would take to much time to write it out so please feel free to call me if interested. Car is a numbers matching car that had only 5,500 miles before a full frame off restoration. Car is restored exactly like it came out of the factory.. . The car was made for local deliveries and is powered by it’s original 10hp Oman Aluminum block opposed twin engine. I have also enclosed a photo of my car before restoration incase you searched internet and found this red one.. Priced to sell !!!  I have some copies of original sales brochures if you want me to send them to you

Thank You

Ad text #2:

Very Rare 1951 THRIF-T, only 3 known to exist, recent barn find.
Get in on the microcar craze now, restore this and resell it for big bucks!
Everyone wants one of these!
Be the envy of your neighbors.
Worth $40,000 when restored. Why buy an Isetta when you can have one of three known THRIF-T delivery vehicles?