USA: JAY LENO INTERVIEWS RANDY GRUBB
INVENTOR OF THE “DECOPOD TRI-POD” BUILT ON A PIAGGIO MP3

It’s not easy to define the vehicle created by American Randy Grubb, which he calls a “Decopod Tri-Pod”. The base is a Piaggio Mp3 three-wheel scooter, over which he has built an unpainted shiny aluminium body inspired by vintage aircraft; the finished product is an astonishing “convertible” on three wheels. Designer, panel beater, artist and craftsman, Randy Grubb makes every aluminium part by hand, using the Piaggio Mp3 250 as the vehicle beneath the mono-coque, because, as he explains to Leno, the Mp3’s two front wheels and tilting axis ensure stability in all driving conditions; the scooter is an example of Piaggio’s innovative and sophisticated engineering technology (of which Randy is evidently an admirer).
The riveted aluminium panels that form the body are embellished with copper details. The driver opens a small door to get in, and then sits as normal on the saddle; an aerodynamic fairing provides protection. Grubb says his creation is only slightly heavier than the original vehicle, for a total of about 20 kg.

The inventor of the extraordinary Tri-Pod was invited on to Jay Leno’s Garage, the YouTube channel show of the famous American presenter, who has a passion for automotive. On the show, Randy presents two versions of the Tri-Pod, the only difference being in the vehicle aesthetics (one of the Tri-Pods uses the symbol of superhero Flash Gordon). Randy works with his customers on the final look, to meet personal preferences and ensure that each vehicle is unique.
Grubb has also developed a two-wheel version, the Decopod Bi-Pod, on a Piaggio Fly 150 scooter. He also uses the same materials to builds futuristic helmets in space-hero shapes. The price of his vehicles is not for everyone: the Tri-Pods cost around 25,000 dollars.
After the interview, Jay Leno and Randy Grubb take the vehicles for a test run: the decopods shoot off like wingless planes, but with their wheels firmly gripping the road. You really do feel a bit like Flash Gordon, joke Leno and Grubb.
Take a look at the video from Jay Leno’s Garage, with the interview and the road test.

Randy Grubb's Decopods - Jay Leno's Garage