The Scootacar was developed in 1957 and aimed to deliver big car comfort at small car cost on three wheels. It was designed and constructed by the Hunslet Engine Works on Jack Lane. The unusual design was said to be inspired by the wife of one of the company directors, who wanted a car that was easier to park than her Jaguar. The company’s top minds started working on a design for an easy-to-park car with a high enough driving position to give the driver a good view of the road. They asked a tall employee to sit on a box against a handy wall, set up dummy controls in front of him, and drew a chalk outline around him. The result was a small but high car, nicknamed the telephone booth, with a sale price of around £275. These photos tell the story of its rise and fall in the mid-1960s. READ MORE: 9 ways driving has changed since the 1960s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Scootacar
There were optional extras - you could have one with a reverse gear for an extra £9 13s 4d (£7 19s 5d plus £1 13s 11d purchase tax) and for another £4 15s you could have a spare wheel and tyre complete with mounting. | Getty Photo: Getty
8. Scootacar
The Scootacar had cramped conditions for its driver and passengers but it afforded more protection than a motorcycle and sidecar. | Alex Cousins/SWNS Photo: Alex Cousins/SWNS
9. Scootacar
Approximately 1,500 cars were produced until production ceased in 1967. | Leeds Museums Service Photo: Leeds Museums Service
10. Scootacar
The end for the Scootacar came with the introduction of the Mini. For very little more than the cost of a new Scootacar you could have a standard four-seater car in the Mini. | Alex Cousins/SWNS Photo: Alex Cousins/SWNS
11. Enjoyed this gallery?
Did you own a Scootacar? Share your memories with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN | Alex Cousins/SWNS Photo: Alex Cousins/SWNS