c.1919 ABC Skootamota

Frame no. 447

Footnotes

Introduced in 1919, the Skootamota was the work of engineering genius Granville Bradshaw, creator of the advanced ABC flat-twin motorcycle. Although designed and introduced while Bradshaw was working for ABC, the Skootamota was manufactured and marketed by Gilbert Campling Ltd of London W1. Bradshaw's Skootamota was powered by a 123cc 'exhaust-over-inlet' engine mounted horizontally above the rear wheel, which was driven directly by chain, with the cylinder pointing backwards. Later versions had an overhead-valve engine. Hailed by its maker as 'the dependable little motor-machine that will take you anywhere you want to go in comfort, at little cost and with safety – anywhere, anytime,' the Skootamota lasted into the early 1920s by which time the first ever 'scooter boom' was at an end.

An older restoration, this example was purchased at a UK auction (date unknown). Notable features include a Lohmann Werke headlamp, Regina horn, and a 'John M Wilson, Bridgeton, Glasgow' supplier's plaque to the footboard. The machine is offered with hand-written specifications; a selection of photographs; an old UK V5 registration document; and an Oldtimer-Markt magazine article (May 2003) featuring this actual machine. It should be noted that the V5 incorrectly records the frame number as '441'.


Ancienne restauration, cet exemplaire a été acquis dans une vente au Royaume-Uni (date inconnue). On notera le phare Lohmann Werke, la trompe Regina et une plaque de vendeur « John M Wilson, Bridgeton Glasgow » sur un repose-pied. La machine est offerte avec un relevé manuscrit de spécifications, une sélection de photos et un ancien document d'immatriculation britannique V5 ainsi qu'un article du magazine Oldtimer Markt de mai 2003 consacré précisément à cette machine. On notera que le document V5 porte le numéro de cadre erroné « 441 ».


It should be noted that these vehicles have either been on display in the museum or kept in store since Peter and Ulrike passed away. Their present mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, perspective bidders must satisfy themselves with regards to their condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding.

On notera que depuis le décès de Peter et d'Ulrike ces véhicules ont été maintenus en exposition dans le musée ou entreposés. L'état actuel réel des mécaniques est inconnu et les éventuels acquéreurs devront s'assurer par eux-mêmes de la condition, de l'intégrité, de l'authenticité et autres points relatifs à la qualité des machines avant de porter leurs enchères.