Spotted on ebay earlier, this 1960 British Swallow Gadabout scooter for sale, all up and running.
The Swallow Sidecar Company was formed in the 1920s, producing (as their name suggests) motorcycle sidecars, as well as specialising in coachworks. In the 1930s they branched into the car market as SS Cars Ltd, although after World War 2 they decided to rebrand as Jaguar Cars Ltd for obvious reasons.
In 1946, the Swallow Coachbuilding Company launched the Swallow Gadabout scooter which was the same year as the first Vespa 98, and pre-dated the Lambretta by a year.
This Gadabout is a 1950 example and apparently easy to start and ride. The seller says, “Having spent time in my workshops being inspected and serviced, this scooter is in good running order, and its body and chassis is solid with no corrosion.”
He adds, “It’s a charming machine which gets the looks wherever you go, whether at shows and displays …or trailing behind Lambrettas and Vespas on a scooter run (35mph top speed!).”
With less than 2000 Gadabouts built, most being the earlier Mark 1 model, these 122cc Villiers engine’d scooters are a pretty rare beast, if you’re brave enough to try something different of course…
You’ll find the Gadabout for sale on eBay here, should you fancy a punt (note; we don’t know the seller but thought we’d share this as its a rare and sort of cool scoot).
Have one for sale if you are interested
Yes i am intersted in buying.
Please send more details and asking price.
Steve
I have a complete and running Swallow Gadabout Mk1 for sale in France. Asking price is £ 5,000. Buyer must come to pick it up – or suitable pickup arrangement with transporter.
I am looking for a running Swallow Gadabout, preferable with side car
Arjan
Classic Cars, Motorcycles, Mascots, Badges, & Automobilia Auction 26th 27th January
Classic Cars, Motorcycles,
Mascots, Badges, & Automobilia Auction
Saturday/Sunday 26th/27th January
DUE TO LOGISTICS THE AUCTION HAS BEEN MOVED
TO THE WEEKEND OF 26th/27th JANUARY.
Lots include 1957 Standard Super 10; BMW 316i Compact 1.9 engine; 1978 BMW R1000 motorbike; a 1951 Swallow Gadabout Scooter; 1982 Honda Superdream 250cc; many spares; large collection of die-cast; mascots; ephemera etc.
ACCEPTING FURTHER LOTS – PLEASE CALL 01522 690444.
Car Collage 2019 1
Auctions start at 10am.
Viewing Friday 25th January 9am-6pm & from 7am on morning of auction.
Swallow Gadabout
1951 Swallow Gadabout Scooter
Shed find. 125cc Villiers engine (not seized)
Current V5C document. Totally original condition.
1 of only 2,000 made.
I had one 0f the Gadabouts 1 st series no suspension, given to me about 1962 by my grandfather Harold Ehlen , he bought it new from Southchurch motors in Southend Essex in 1946 , he used it for his post round in Thundersley in Essex, my father brought it home to Loughton and rebuilt it , I even managed to get a new gear cog from Southchurch motors some 20 years later and it finally got back on the road. When it was running it was fine but I spent much of my youth pushing it as it had a knack of fowling the spark plugs but I did manage to drive it the 30mile journey to show my grandad and as long as I did”nt stop all was fine albeit at an average speed of less than 25 mph. It eventually being donated to the Science Museum for others to see in 1970 and unfortunately not seen since. many thanks John James.