Economic (cyclecar) explained

Economic
Manufacturer:Economic Motors
Production:1919-1922
Class:cyclecar
Engine:165 cc flat twin, two-stroke cylinder
Transmission:friction drive
Successor:none

The Economic was a British three-wheeled cyclecar made from 1919 to 1922 by Economic Motors of Wells Street, London, W1. It was, at £60, almost certainly the cheapest car on the British market at the time.[1]

The car had a single front wheel and no suspension, relying on the tyres and the flexibility of its ash frame to absorb road bumps. The two-seater body was very simple with no windscreen or weather protection. The bodywork was minimal.

The 165 cc, air-cooled, flat twin two-stroke engine drove the right-hand rear wheel by chain, and a variable-speed friction drive transmission was used, giving two forwards speeds and reverse. A top speed of 30 mph was claimed.[2]

A motorcycle using the same engine, also with friction drive, was also offered for £28 10 shillings.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: Baldwin, N. . A-Z of Cars of the 1920s. 1994 . Bay View Books . Devon, UK . 1-870979-53-2.
  2. Book: Georgano, N. . G.N. Georgano . Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile . 2000 . HMSO . London . 1-57958-293-1.