The Scootacar (1958 to 1965) was made by the Hunslett Engineering company of Leeds more famous for railway locomotives, and who, incidentally, had one previous foray into motor cars with something called the Atilla. (Atilia the Hunslett, presumably!)

Henry Brown, the designer, who still owns and uses one (which must say something) evolved the body around an occupant sitting astride the engine motorcycle fashion at the rear of the tandem seating arrangement. Thus the vehicle has a somewhat top-heavy appearance but actually boasted a hefty chassis which prevented it toppling over.

The Mkl with Villiers 197cc engine sold for £244; the Mk2 gained a new body and a proper chair for the rear passenger offset to 45 degrees at £321, and the Mk3, priced at £370, sported a twin-cylinder 324cc Villiers unit. Early cars were red which gained them the tag of 'telephone box'; 1000 were built. A further 500 made up the later series, and we hear that a postman in Sussex still uses one to deliver letters. Some 35 to 40 are known to survive and are said to be practical and fun to drive.