1913 Scripps-Booth Rocket Cyclecar Prototype
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Artifact Overview
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 Details
Artifact
Automobile
Date Made
1913
Creators
Creator Notes
Designed by James Scripps Booth.
Location
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 (Color)
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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