Trike Feldman: The Cars 2 Traveling Merchant Celebrating Italy
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904 mots | Temps de lecture : 4 minute(s)
Summary
- Who is Trike Feldman?
- The design of Trike Feldman
- A sought-after curiosity for collectors
- A likely tribute to a Pixar artist
- The role of secondary characters in Cars 2
- Summary table
- FAQ
In the colorful and detailed world of Cars 2 , each character helps bring to life the locations visited during the World Grand Prix . Among these supporting characters is the one known, through Mattel's toy lines, as Trike Feldman : a small traveling merchant inspired by Italian tricycles. Although his name never appears in the film, this merchandising moniker has become the one commonly used by fans. To extend the racing atmosphere at home, check out the Cars tracks .
Who is Trike Feldman?
The character makes a brief appearance during the Porto Corsa race. It's a red utility tricycle clearly inspired by the famous Italian three-wheeled vehicles. In the film, it can be seen in the background as Finn McMissile drives through the area during a chase. Its role is entirely visual, with no significant interaction or dialogue, but it helps to ground the scene in Italian aesthetics . If you prefer remote-controlled action, check out our selection of Cars radio-controlled cars .
The design of Trike Feldman
The three-wheeled vehicle sports a bright red body, typical of Italian utility vehicles. It carries a small crate of goods at the rear, unidentifiable on screen due to the brevity of the shot. The visible accessories reinforce its functional appearance , without any obvious details beyond what the image shows. Street racing or seaside, the weather can be unpredictable: Cars umbrellas add a practical touch to Grand Prix days.
A sought-after curiosity for collectors
Trike Feldman was marketed by Mattel as a Super Chase figure (released in late 2013/2014), a very limited-edition category. According to the information on the promotional materials, these Super Chase figures were "no more than 4,000 units produced." This limited run, combined with its brief appearance on screen, makes it a highly sought-after collector's item .
The die-cast version has one notable feature: flags on the trailer , a variation specific to the toy and not seen in the film. This difference is generally considered a design or packaging decision, and not canon. To compare with the next wave of ultra-modern racers, also check out the profile of Next-Gen Ryan “Inside” Laney .
A likely tribute to a Pixar artist
The name " Trike Feldman " is likely an inside joke about a member of the Pixar team, a common practice in the Cars franchise. However, this interpretation remains unconfirmed and should be considered a hypothesis. On the next-gen front, another article worth reading: Barry DePedal (RPM #64) .
The role of secondary characters in Cars 2
Even though Trike Feldman appears on screen for less than a second , his presence exemplifies Pixar's philosophy: populating the setting with believable characters that enhance cultural immersion . In Porto Corsa, shopkeepers, tourists, and fans reflect the atmosphere of a major Italian motor race. To gauge the stylistic difference with the next generation, check out the Next-Gen Aaron Clocker profile (Re-Volting #48) .
Summary table
| Element | Data verified |
|---|---|
| Name used | Trike Feldman (from merchandising) |
| Appearance | Cars 2 (2011) |
| Place | Porto Corsa (Italy) |
| Vehicle type | Utility tricycle |
| Color | Red |
| Dialogue | None |
| Derivative product | Mattel die-cast 1:55 – Super Chase |
| Special feature of the toy | Flags on the trailer (not visible on screen) |
FAQ
- Is Trike Feldman named in the film? No, his name comes exclusively from Mattel merchandising.
- Does he speak in Cars 2? No, he has no dialogue.
- Is it visible on screen for a long time? No, it appears very briefly in the background in Porto Corsa.
- Why is her figure rare? It is part of the Super Chase series with a very limited edition.
- Are the flags on the trailer canonical? No, they are specific to the die-cast version.
Conclusion: A small character for a vast universe
Trike Feldman may only be visible for a fraction of a second in Cars 2 , but he embodies a crucial aspect of the saga's worldbuilding : the cultural coherence and vibrancy of Italian scenes. Inspired by Italian three-wheeled vehicles and popularized through merchandising, he occupies a unique place in the Cars universe, cherished by collectors and detail-oriented fans alike.