1913 Scripps-Booth Rocket Cyclecar Prototype

Summary

In 1912, a new European fad took America by storm: the cyclecar -- slim, light, cheap, with a motorcycle engine. By 1914, Americans could choose from over 80 home-grown versions. Most were poorly built and rattled to pieces on America's rough, unpaved roads. And by 1917, a durable five-passenger Ford Model T cost $25 less than this Scripps-Booth. The cyclecar fad was over.

In 1912, a new European fad took America by storm: the cyclecar -- slim, light, cheap, with a motorcycle engine. By 1914, Americans could choose from over 80 home-grown versions. Most were poorly built and rattled to pieces on America's rough, unpaved roads. And by 1917, a durable five-passenger Ford Model T cost $25 less than this Scripps-Booth. The cyclecar fad was over.

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1913

Creators

Booth, James Scripps 

Creator Notes

Designed by James Scripps Booth.

Driving America
 On Exhibit

at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America

Object ID

41.300.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of James S. Booth.

Material

Canvas
Leather
Mahogany
Wire
Wood (Plant material)

Color

Green
Yellow

Dimensions

Height: 43 in

Width: 41 in

Length: 131 in

Diameter: 23.25 in

Wheelbase: 100 in

Weight: 670 lbs

Inscriptions

Plate on rear inscribed in script: THE "ROCKET" CYCLE CAR / FIRST / EXPERIMENTAL SCRIPPS-BOOTH / 1913

Specifications

Make & Model: 1913 Scripps-Booth Rocket cyclecar prototype

Maker: Scripps-Booth Cyclecar Company, Detroit, Michigan

Engine: V-2, air-cooled, 35 cubic inches

Transmission: 2-speed manual

Height: 43 inches

Wheelbase: 100 inches

Width: 41 inches

Overall length: 131 inches

Weight: 670 pounds

Horsepower: 10

Pounds per horsepower: 67

Price: $385

Average 1913 wage: $621 per year

Time you'd work to buy this car: about 7-1/2 months

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