Sinclair C5

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Sir Clive Sinclair surprised us yet again in 1985 by launching the C5 battery assisted trike. With a top speed of 15mph, this so called “revolution in urban transportation” could be yours for just £399.

Alas its proximity to the ground made riders feel vulnerable, and certain shortcomings in the motor department made the C5 the butt of many jokes. Whilst getting Lotus to assist in the production engineering may have been a masterstroke, choosing to make it in a Hoover factory certainly was not. The obvious references to “washing machine motors” did not help sales at all.

When promoting the C5, one brave driver took a highly modified version to 150mph to break the electric vehicle speed record. Conversions still exist that increase voltage to 24v, giving a top speed of 30mph – which should be enough for anyone! In the end just 12,000 were made, ensuring the C5’s status as a collector’s piece.

This example was purchased new by the vendor and was used sporadically before being put into storage around 25 years ago. Now in need of a clean up, some air in the tyres and a fresh battery, it does still retain its charging kit, not always the case with these machines, original tool kit and owner's handbook. Easy to store and fun to ride, it looks tempting at the suggested guide price and, with interest clearly on the rise for these ‘80s curios, a better bet than money in the bank.