Charley Chariot
Charley Chariot is a custom trike built by Timothy Nine of Franklinton, NC.
It's a street-legal 3-wheeler made to look like a Roman chariot.
Built in 3 weeks from scrap - a 1993 Nissan Sentra, bicycle handlebars, a boat seat, and a $100 plastic horse from a riding stable.
He built it after someone asked what he'd build next and he said "Roman chariot." As of 2016 it had over 226k miles on it.
Building a custom trike like Charley Chariot demonstrates incredible creativity and resourcefulness. Transforming parts from a 1993 Nissan Sentra with bicycle handlebars, a boat seat, and even a $100 plastic horse into a street-legal vehicle highlights how imagination can repurpose everyday items into something extraordinary. The choice to emulate a Roman chariot adds a fun historical twist, blending ancient design with modern mechanics. From personal experience with custom builds, I can say that such projects often become more than just vehicles—they become rolling stories attracting curiosity and admiration. In urban and rural settings alike, driving a unique trike like Charley Chariot sparks conversations, raises smiles, and connects people over shared appreciation for craftsmanship and ingenuity. Maintaining a vehicle with over 226,000 miles on such custom parts also requires dedication. It showcases not only the quality of the build but also a passion for keeping something unconventional running reliably over time. If you're interested in motorcycle and trike customization, this project can inspire you to think outside the box and consider how common scrap materials might be transformed. Additionally, street-legal status for such a custom trike is quite important, ensuring safety compliance and legal operation on public roads. For those contemplating similar builds, researching local regulations will help ensure your creative vehicle can be enjoyed responsibly. Overall, Charley Chariot is a perfect example of how combining fun, functional design, and a bit of humor can turn a simple idea into a beloved, iconic ride that garners interest and laughter wherever it goes.
