Visit Guide
SINCLAIR C5
This is probably Sinclair’s most well-known product, for the worst reasons. It is an electric tricycle, battery powered, released in 1985. It was the reason for the need to sell the computer business to Amstrad, in 1986, due to its’ massive money losses for this initiative (£7M).
It was presented as a giant personal transportation revolution but failed to be successful. It has a chassis designed by Lotus and was assembled and had assistance given by the Hoover brand – known for its’ home appliances. This did not inspire a lot of trust.
Many factors contributed to the lack of success of this device:
- The strange driving position.
- The low height of the vehicle, making it to be very scary to drive among other vehicles. The exposed model, acquired in the Netherlands, came with an orange flag which was made compulsory to use in order to be able to drive it around. There is a similar looking accessory called the High Visibility Mast, which serves the same purpose but was made with reflective materials.
- The inexistent rain protection which, in a country like England, is surprising. Nevertheless, the unit on display has two side panels built in. There is also a gabardine you can connect to the protective side panels, completely covering the driver.
- You actually have to pedal to start driving, only then can you turn on the engine.
- The speed and car autonomy are extremely low. Regarding speed, it reaches 24Km/h, and this is due to the need for vehicle approval in a way that made it possible to drive without a driver’s licence in England.
Nowadays, it is an iconic piece, and the exposed model is in great working condition.
Curiosities:
- Ayrton Senna used to move around in one of these models, in the Formula 1 boxes.
- Just like the ZX Spectrum computers, the C5 also has an ULA produced by the Ferranti brand, which is crucial for the dashboard to work.
