Swallow 'Gadabout' motor scooter, 1948. The Swallow Coachbuilding Co. Ltd was bought in 1945 by the Helliwell Group, an aircraft servicing and repair company. They started to produce the Gadabout in 1946 in an attempt to enter the emerging market for easily maintained, inexpensive, lightweight scooters. It was designed by two aircraft-men, Eric Sanders and Frank Rainbow, inspired by the foldable Welbike, used on airfields during the War. The Gadabout was billed as the "British Two-wheeler for Mr & Mrs Everyman", and was confirmed successful when adopted by public bodies including the Staffordshire Constabulary. The Gadabout Mark II followed in 1949 and the model continued to be made until September 1951. Another lightweight scooter was designed to follow the Gadabout, the Joyrider, but it was never produced.
Details
- Category:
- Road Transport
- Object Number:
- 1971-101
- Measurements:
-
overall: 960 mm x 480 mm x 1820 mm,
- type:
- motor cycles
- credit:
- James, J.E.
