The Trimax was the brainchild of Alvin "Spike" Rhiando, one of the most colourful characters in early 500cc racing. Spike was one of the first to order the first production (Mk II) Cooper and in 1948, at the Grand Prix meeting at Silverstone in October, he won from John Cooper with Cooper cars taking the first four places.

Spike decided to built his own car, the design was highly advanced and allowed for three different engines 500, 750 and 1,000 cc hence the Trimax name. It had a monocoque chassis made of Dural sheet with bag tanks contained in the side members (where did Colin Chapmen get the idea for the Lotus 25 from?). Suspension was by trailing arms at the front and swing axles, sprung by adjustable metallastik rubber at the rear. Steering was by an unusual system of chains and cables and a single rear brake operated on the transmission.  Spike claimed that the shape was derived from wind tunnel testing but this may have been psychology. It was well built but a little too large (about 12 feet long) and heavy and the steering must have been somewhat lacking in feel so only one car was ever built. The car made its debut at the Goodwood Easter meeting, 1950, quickly retiring with gear trouble. By the end of the season, Spike sold the car to an American, and would purchase Dennis Flather’s Blue Flash for 1951. After many years in storage, the Trimax has returned to England and is being restored. We hope to see her back on track during 2007.

False start: The Trimax retires with gear trouble on the first lap. Passing by are Don Truman, Austen May, and a significant debutant, Alf Bottoms in the prototype JBS.

Spike arrives at Goodwood for the debut of the Trimax, 10th April 1950.

Image provided by Michael Aikey.

Cutaway drawing of the Trimax, originally published in "The Autocar".

At Madera Airport, California November 1952

The Trimax approaches the end of its restoration July 2007

The Trimax reviewed in Iota:

And a letter from Iota May 1950