The Vanderhall Venice 1.4 T is a two-seat, open-top roadster produced by the American manufacturer Vanderhall Motor Works. Introduced in 2017, the Venice occupies a unique niche in the US automotive market, blending motorcycle-inspired styling with the comfort and convenience of an enclosed automobile. It’s designed to offer an engaging driving experience, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a distinctive and head-turning vehicle. The Venice is not a high-volume production car; rather, it’s a boutique offering aimed at a specific segment of the market that values individuality and open-air motoring. It distinguishes itself from traditional sports cars with its front-wheel-drive layout and relatively compact dimensions.
Vanderhall Venice 1.4 T: A Detailed Overview
The Vanderhall Venice emerged as a response to a desire for a modern, yet retro-inspired roadster. Vanderhall Motor Works, based in Utah, aimed to create a vehicle that captured the spirit of classic roadsters while incorporating contemporary technology and safety features. The 1.4 T designation refers to the engine powering the vehicle – a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder engine. The Venice is built on a custom chassis and features a unique three-wheeled configuration, though it is legally classified as an autocycle in many US states, impacting registration and safety requirements.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Vanderhall Venice 1.4 T lies a General Motors-sourced 1.4-liter (85.37 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder engine, designated the LUV. This engine is turbocharged and intercooled, producing 180 horsepower at 4950 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2450 rpm. This provides a power-to-weight ratio of 3.7 kg/Hp (273.6 Hp/tonne) and a torque-to-weight ratio of 2.6 kg/Nm (379.9 Nm/tonne). The engine’s output is delivered to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The Venice achieves a maximum speed of 225 km/h (139.81 mph). The engine’s relatively small displacement combined with turbocharging results in a power-to-liter ratio of 128.7 hp/l. The engine layout is front, transverse, contributing to the vehicle’s balanced handling characteristics. The engine requires 4 liters (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) of engine oil and 6.5 liters (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) of coolant.
Design & Features
The Vanderhall Venice boasts a distinctive roadster design, characterized by its long hood, short rear deck, and open cockpit. The body is constructed from a combination of steel and composite materials, aiming for a balance between rigidity and lightweight construction. The vehicle’s styling draws inspiration from classic roadsters of the 1950s and 60s, with a modern interpretation. The interior is relatively minimalist, focusing on providing a comfortable and engaging driving experience for the two occupants. Key features include ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electric power steering, and alloy wheels. The vehicle’s dimensions are 3581 mm (140.98 in) in length, 1778 mm (70 in) in width, and 1118 mm (44.02 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2550 mm (100.39 in). The curb weight is 658 kg (1450.64 lbs), with a maximum weight of 885 kg (1951.09 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 227 kg (500.45 lbs). Trunk space is limited to 39 liters (1.38 cu. ft.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vanderhall |
| Model | Venice |
| Generation | Venice |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 T (180 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Roadster |
| Seats | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 225 km/h (139.81 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.7 kg/Hp, 273.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.6 kg/Nm, 379.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 180 Hp @ 4950 rpm |
| Power per litre | 128.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 2450 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 2450 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 6500 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | GM LUV |
| Engine displacement | 1399 cm3 (85.37 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72 mm (2.83 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 658 kg (1450.64 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 885 kg (1951.09 lbs) |
| Max load | 227 kg (500.45 lbs) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 39 l (1.38 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 32 l (8.45 US gal | 7.04 UK gal) |
| Length | 3581 mm (140.98 in) |
| Width | 1778 mm (70 in) |
| Height | 1118 mm (44.02 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2550 mm (100.39 in) |
| Front track | 1524 mm (60 in) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 114 mm (4.49 in) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/40 R18; 285/35 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 18; 10.5J x 18 |
The Vanderhall Venice 1.4 T represents a unique offering in the automotive landscape. It’s a vehicle that prioritizes driving enjoyment and distinctive styling over practicality and mass-market appeal. Its combination of a turbocharged engine, front-wheel drive, and open-top roadster configuration provides a driving experience that is both engaging and memorable.
