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Sinclair C5
I stopped by my friend Adam’s house the other day and he showed me something quite cool. If you were aware of personal computers in the early 1980’s, you will probably remember Sinclair for their early PC’s and calculators, but did you know that they also made vehicles?
The C5 was a Human-electric hybrid drive, recumbant trike that was going to revolutionize the urban transportation landscape. Unfortunately, the product flopped, nearly bringing sinclair down with it.
“Possibly Sinclair’s most famous product (albeit for quite the wrong reasons), the ill-conceived C5 “electric car” proved to be the point at which Sinclair Research’s wheels finally fell off. Attracting controversy and derision in equal measure, the C5 fiasco ended up having a catastrophic effect on Sinclair’s finances. Losses of up to £7 million eventually forced the company to sell its computer business to Amstrad.”
I had a Sinclair ZX-81 as a kid - it’s in a box in my closet now, patiently waiting for me to fire it up again sometime. I didn’t know anything about this electric car - how did your friend come across it? Does it still work?
The C5 was kind of the Segway of 80’s England. It was meant to revolutionize personal transportation, but Clive Sincair, much like Dean Kamen, never considered that people aren’t interested in revolutions that make them look like dorks.
Yes, Adam had his C5 sent over from England
Good or bad,makes no diference now.
The Sinclair C5 is one of the most collectable Sinclair items.
Great fun to take for the odd spin and the public love to see one.
Brings a smile to the drivers face and everyone that see it on the road or at an event.
Lets make sure that the remaining C5s survive,so that people can keep smiling.
These cars are quality, im currently renovating one. Check http://pimpmysinclairc5.blogspot.com
Bruce Weiner has a Sinclair in his huge collection of microcars. It pales in comparison to the other microcars in the collection. If you are in Georgia is worth the visit!
Love your site, by the way.
I’m too restoring one !
http://www.camp0s.com/Smart/c5/c5.php
It’s finished and it’s amazing!
Wonderfull for moving in the town, why did they failed ? … :(
Let’s keep the legend alive !