The 1947 Motorette (Model 20). (My thanks to Alden Jewell for sending me this picture)

The 1947 Motorette (Model 20). (My thanks to Alden Jewell for sending me this picture)
The Motorette Chassis. (My thanks to Alden Jewell for sending me this picture)

Motorette (1)

Description

Introduced in 1947 the Motorette was manufactured by the Motorette Corp. of Buffalo, New York. (USA).  The vehicles were primarily designed for use in a mile long aircraft plant but due to their practicality found many other useful roles.   It  is powered by a one-cylinder 4.1hp air-cooled engine that drives a single wheel that when fully laden will propel the vehicle at 39mph (though it does not have a speedometer) at up to 60 mpg.  The body of the Motorette was all aluminum with a channel construction “X” frame chassis and steering is done by what can only be described as oval handlebars. A windscreen was an optional extra.

Detailed Information
Detailed Description

Introduced in 1947 the Motorette was manufactured by the Motorette Corp. of Buffalo, New York. (USA).  The vehicles were primarily designed for use in a mile long aircraft plant but due to their practicality found many other useful roles.   It  is powered by a one-cylinder 4.1hp air-cooled engine that drives a single wheel that when fully laden will propel the vehicle at 39mph (though it does not have a speedometer) at up to 60 mpg.  The body of the Motorette was all aluminum with a channel construction “X” frame chassis and steering is done by what can only be described as oval handlebars. A windscreen was an optional extra.

The Motorette came in a number of forms that included the Model 20 that was an all round vehicle that was a 2 seater with 6 cubic feet of luggage space and the Model 30 that was also a 2 seater with its luggage capacity increased to 10 cubic weight.

Famous owners of the Motorette include the American comedian Bob Hope who wanted “an extra “get-about car” where no car could go.

Production of the Motorette is thought to have ceased in the early 1950s.

Additional Information

Additional Information

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