The Scootacar was developed in 1957 and aimed to deliver big car comfort at small car cost on three wheels. It was designed and constructed by the Hunslet Engine Works on Jack Lane. The unusual design was said to be inspired by the wife of one of the company directors, who wanted a car that was easier to park than her Jaguar. The company’s top minds started working on a design for an easy-to-park car with a high enough driving position to give the driver a good view of the road. They asked a tall employee to sit on a box against a handy wall, set up dummy controls in front of him, and drew a chalk outline around him. The result was a small but high car, nicknamed the telephone booth, with a sale price of around £275. These photos tell the story of its rise and fall in the mid-1960s. READ MORE: 31 photos to take you back to Leeds in 1964 LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
. The Scootacar
Do you remember the Scootacar? PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
. Scootacar
It was powered by petroil with a recommended ratio of 20-1; and boasted Lockheed hydraulic foot brakes on the front wheels and a cable-operated hand brake on the rear wheel.
. Scootacar
Its fuel tank held 2.75 gallons, which included a half gallon reserve tank. Photo: Alex Cousins/SWNS
7. Scootacar
The Scootacar had cramped conditions for its driver and passengers but it afforded more protection than a motorcycle and sidecar. Photo: Alex Cousins/SWNS
8. Scootacar
Approximately 1,500 cars were produced until production ceased in 1967. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Scootacar
The end for the Scootacar came with the introduction of the Mini. For very little more than the cost of a new Scootacar you could have a standard four-seater car in the Mini. Photo: Alex Cousins/SWNS
10. Scootacar
Did you own a Scootacar? Share your memories with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN Photo: Alex Cousins/SWNS