Beschreibung:

Having abandoned plans to produce a 20hp touring car, John Weller turned his not inconsiderable design talents to something more mundane - a three-wheeled commercial delivery vehicle that would suit the needs of his businessman backer, John Portwine. Called the ‘Auto-Carrier’ this wood-framed device was powered by a single-cylinder, 636cc, air-cooled (by fans) engine mounted beneath the driver’s seat and driving the rear wheel, via a two-speed epi-cyclic gearbox, by chain. Steering was by means of a tiller, with goods carried in a box between the front wheels. Introduced in 1904, the Auto-Carrier was an immediate success. A passenger version - the Sociable - arrived in 1907, a second seat replacing the goods box. A three-seater followed and then the definitive version with side-by-side seating for the driver and a single passenger. Exported widely throughout the British Empire and beyond, the Sociable was for many people their first experience of powered transport. This tidy and original Edwardian was first registered in Ireland and is eligible for both Vintage Motor Cycle Club and Veteran Car Club events as well as the Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club’s Pioneer Run. Acquired by its late owner approximately four years ago, the car has participated in the Pioneer Run on three occasions since and has also been rallied in Holland. Finished in cream and green livery, with green pleated/buttoned upholstery and green carpets, the vehicle is equipped with acetylene lighting set comprising a generator, FRS headlamps and Monogram side lamps, while the rear lamp is a P&H oil unit. Last MoT’d to March 2005 and unused since, the car is offered with Swansea V5C registration document.