The Campagna T-Rex->ke4704 began its journey to fame in 1996, when the model debuted carrying a 1.4-liter Kawasaki inline-four engine and two side-by-side seats. Now as we approach the 2016 model year, the T-rex has moved to a 1.6-liter BMW->ke178 inline-six engine that produces 160 horsepower. Despite this bump in power, the T-Rex remains a very simple vehicle that is more a motorcycle than a car. As we approach its 20th anniversary, Campagna is releasing a 20-unit special edition to commemorate the occasion.

This 20th anniversary model features a smattering of extra goodies, but nothing too overwhelming. Most of the draw to this model will be its exclusivity.

The base T-Rex is already pricey enough, so is this exclusivity worth the hefty $12,000 price hike that comes with the 20th anniversary model?

Continue reading my review of the Campagna T-Rex 20th anniversary edition to find out.

Exterior

The Campagna T-Rex has always been one of those vehicles that few can drive by without giving it a quick double take, as its part-motorcycle, part-car looks are always shocking at first.

The exterior of the Campagna T-Rex 20th anniversary edition features two-tone black-and-charcoal bodywork with a bright-red chassis and lettering. This gives the wild-looking side-by-side an eerily sinister look while also maintaining its fun-loving personality.

The wheels are custom made for this limited-run machine, and you get a 20th anniversary engine cover, and carbon-fiber protector plates.

For those days when you can’t drive this rig, Campagna is also tossing in a soft cover with the 20th anniversary logo on it.

Interior

The cabin of the Campagna T-Rex has always been a rather simple place to spend time. I mean, who wants to put a high-end infotainment system inside a car that is as open to the elements as the T-Rex is?

The 20th anniversary edition continues these spartan ways, but it does have a few extra touches here and there. These touches include special leather seats with the 20th anniversary logo embossed into the headrests, a leather-wrapped D-shaped steering wheel, and a multi-control knob on the dashboard with the 20th anniversary emblem and the specific chassis number for each vehicles (1 – 20).

Other than those few special touches, the 20th anniversary T-Rex has a relatively standard cabin, with an adjustable pedal box and an open glove compartment.

Drivetrain

Powering the T-Rex 20th anniversary is the 1.6-liter inline six engine from BMW that powers the T-Rex 16S. This engine puts down 160 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 129 pound-feet of torque at 5,250 rpm.

Transferring the power to the rear wheel is a sequential six-speed transmission.

Keeping this special model on the road is a Stage 5 fully adjustable suspension system, which is an option on most T-Rex models. This system allows the driver to dial the suspension in for conditions or driving style.

Braking duties rest upon three cross-drilled rotors and steel-braided brake lines.

Prices

The Campagna T-Rex 20th anniversary edition comes at quite a hefty fee of $69,999, which is a healthy $12,000 jump over the T-Rex 16S.

Competition

Polaris Slingshot

The only real competition the Campagna T-Rex has is the Polaris Slingshot. Despite its early recall issues, there is no denying just how awesome the slingshot is, though it lacks the roof of the T-Rex. The Slingshot does come a little better equipped than the T-Rex, as it features items like a 4.3-inch LCD screen, a backup camera, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Slingshot comes fitted with a 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine from GM. This engine slightly beats out the T-Rex’s 1.6 liter, thanks to its 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. The Polaris also wins out in the pricing department, as it bases at $19,999.

Morgan Three Wheeler

The Morgan Three Wheeler is another possible competitor to the T-Rex, but it is far less a track machine than it is just a neat vehicle to drive. Like the T-Rex, its cabin is quite bare, but it does have the necessities, like gauges, two seats, and a steering wheel.

Under its hood, the Three Wheeler comes with a 1,983 cc V-twin engine that produces 82 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to its 1,157-pound curb weight, this is plenty of power for the Three Wheeler to deliver a relatively exhilarating performance, with a 0-to-62 sprint of six seconds.

Conclusion

The Campagna T-Rex is freaking cool as hell, but it is also near the top of my list of impractical modes of transportation. Its cargo room is nil, its ride comfort is about on par with a go-cart on railroad tracks, and its price could net you a well-equipped M3 or M4. The Polaris Slingshot at least makes some sense at $20k, but nearly $70k for the 20th anniversary T-Rex seems like one of the worst (read: the best) ways to spend your money.