The G.A.B. Auto-Scooter. (Patent No. 138,757)
The G.A.B. scooter fitted with 2¼ h.p. two-stroke engine.
The GAB Auto-Scooter was produced in 1919.
After the end of World War I there was a boom in scooter production. The GAB was a relatively basic machine which failed to gain a market share. It had a pressed-steel platform for the rider to stand upon, a New Hudson engine that drove the rear wheel via a countershaft and a small fuel tank. The forks had small leading links, the bars were carried by a long extension and the machine was fitted with small disc wheels. A patent drawing showed a detachable seat pillar.
PRIVATELY constructed motor scooters are becoming as numerous as the home-made cycle cars of 1911 and 1912. In fact, there is greater promise of larger numbers of miniature single trackers than the larger machines, because they are comparatively simple and cheap to make.
The illustration of the G.A.B. reproduced on this page, is one of the many to reach us, and is the design of Mr. G. A. Bray, an East Ham enthusiast, at present in the R.A.F.
As will be seen a pressed steel frame is employed, the transmission is enclosed, and disc wheels are fitted. The last mentioned are 16in. in diameter. The engine fitted is a 2¼ h.p. two-stroke, placed diagonally in the frame, and drives a countershaft by a short belt. The final transmission is by chain. The platform is well above the wheel centre, which is a distinct departure from usual practice, as generally it is the aim of designers to place the footboards as low as possible.
Mr. Bray advises us that he contemplates marketing a similar machine with all chain drive, which, it is expected, will be sold at a figure in the neighbourhood of £25. Several new features may be embodied, including a mechanical hand starter, a band brake on the rear wheel, an improved spring fork, and 16 x 2 3/8in. tyres. Twistgrip controls are also under consideration, as they are better suited to short bars.
The Motor Cycle August 14th, 1919. Page 175
Sources: Graces Guide, The Motor Cycle.
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