- Scootacar
Infobox Automobile
name=Scootacar
manufacturer=Scootacars Ltd
parent_company=Hunslet Engine Company
production=1957 -65
130 producedCite web|url=http://lanemotormuseum.org/show_vehicle.php?veh=SCOOTACARMKIIDELUXEB1964|title=1964 SCOOTACAR MK II DE LUXE |work=Lane Motor Museum]
predecessor=
successor=
class=Microcar
platform=
engine=Villiers 9E 197 cc single cylinder 2-stroke (Mark I, Mark II; Auto mph|55|0 top speed) 250 cc twin (Mark III; Auto mph|68|0 top speed)
transmission=4 speed manual
layout=
body_style=1-door 2-seater
wheelbase=
length=
width=
height=
weight=
designer=Scootacar was a British three wheeled
microcar built inLeeds by Scootacars Ltd a division of the railway locomotive builder, theHunslet Engine Company between 1957 and 1964.It was allegedly built because the wife of one of the directors wanted something easier to park than her Jaguar. The shape of the car was designed by Henry Brown who did it by sitting on a Villiers engine and then having an assistant draw an outline around him. The body was built in glass fibre and was very tall for its size being Auto in|60|0 high, Auto in|87|0 long and only Auto in|52|0 wide. It was nicknamed "the telephone booth". Two people could be carried with a passenger behind the driver or alternatively just squeezed in alongside. Power came from a Villiers 9E 197 cc single cylinder 2 stroke engine coupled to a four speed motorcycle type gearbox and chain drive to the single rear wheel. Steering was by handlebars. The top speed was convert|50|mi/h|km/h.
In 1960 came the "De Luxe" or Mark 2, with a totally redesigned body with more room and seating for three, but it appeared too late to sell in any great numbers. It had a top speed of Auto mph|55|0 and sold for 275 British Pounds.
In 1961 the "De Luxe Twin" Mark 3 cars appeared fitted with a 250 cc twin giving a top speed of Auto mph|68|0.
Production stopped in 1964 after a total of about 1000 Scootacars were made, but only about 20-30 had the larger engine.
External references
* [http://www.microcarmuseum.com/tour/scootacar1.html Scootacar pictures and specification]
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