Scamp

If electric cars are the future - here's the past!

This little car is not an invalid carriage; it was developed by Scottish Aviation in Prestwick with finance from the Electricity Council.
It was designed when the small car was at the height of popularity and was meant for shoppers. It has a top speed of 35m.p.h. and a 20 mile range between charge.
About 12 were made and Stirling Moss demonstrated it with great success. It was shown at the 1967 Ideal Home Exhibition. Unfortunately the batteries were insufficiently long lasting and the Electricity Council insisted it went for tests by the Motor Industry Research Association - tests it would certainly fail.
The Scamp could not match the conventional commuter car; the suspension collapsed under testing and the Electricity Council claimed the car was unroadworthy and unsuitable for sale in their showrooms. They withdrew from the development and Scottish Aviation abandoned the project.
Cost new: £330


This on display in the foyer of Lomond Galleries, Alexandria [the former Argyll Motors factory site]