1939 Rytecraft Scootatruck

The Rytecraft Scootacar was introduced in 1934 with a 98cc Villiers engine, and enjoyed a surprising level of success over the following years. I would describe it as an adult toy, the equivalent of a child’s pedal car. Along with its van and pick up truck versions it was used for publicity stunts and company promotions, and Rytecrafts were exported around the world. In 1937 the first model was upgraded with a larger engine and three-speed gearbox and speeds of up to 45mph were claimed by the makers.

Production ceased in 1940 when the factory, like most others, was turned over to war work: their main focus was supplying the Air Ministry with Britannia engines for powered life rafts. Some Scootacars were used during the war by the Home Guard as there was a petrol shortage and they were very economical. And a few were built after the war, using leftover prewar parts from the factory.

Probably the most newsworthy event involving a Scootacar was sometime later, in 1965, when Jim Parkinson of Surrey drove a 1935 Rytecraft 98cc model (registered BUC 515) around the world. It travelled via Berlin, Moscow, the Trans-Siberian Railway, Japan and the USA and, after its return, was exhibited at Brooklands Motor Museum in Surrey.

VIDEO OF 1939 RYTECRAFT SCOOTATRUCK DRIVING

To see it at The Museum click here…