Tags: Motorcycle.
The Clark Scamp was a simple bicycle-based moped similar in concept to the earlier ‘winged wheel’ or cyclemotor manufactured from March to November 1968 by Alec Clark of A N Clark (Engineers) Limited a business which normally manufactured telescopic extendable masts for antennae and small gearboxes for handtools in Binstead Isle of Wight EnglandIt combined a proprietary 1960s small-wheel cycle-type frame (obtained from the Co-operative Wholesale Society which sold the bicycle as the Commuter) with modifications to mount an innovative 50cc two-stroke engine close to (and outboard of) the rear wheel.Manufacturing principal Alec Clark was an engineer with much experience of engine design including small-capacity two-strokes having formerly worked for Trojan a car manufacturer in Croydon UK which in the 1960s offered a scooter and a light three-wheeler car and had undertaken development work for LeylandWith the exception of the Italian magneto and carburettor all of the engine work was stated to be British-madeUnfortunately it was claimed by a Mr Coco that the Clark power unit was very similar to his own design which he had been trying to sell to Clarks for several months in 1967 before being informed that his design driving the rear wheel by friction caused unacceptable wear to the rear tyre and would not therefore be used.