1955-1956 These machines were typical of the decade. The moped had a Fitchel & Sachs two-stroke, two-speed engine unit hung from a pressed-steel, spine frame. There was no rear suspension, but it had rubber in torsion to the front wheel. The scooter had a 191cc Sachs engine, four speeds, electric start and typical bodywork.
1957 The range was extended and two scooters were added. These had 147cc or 197cc Villiers engines. The original moped was joined by one with rear suspension. There was also a Hercules motorcycle with a 200cc Ilo engine. During the year, the Sport model moped was added, but this was more of a motorcycle as it had three speeds. In the September of that year, distribution shifted to BP Scooters of Wolverhampton and the machines were then sold under the Prior name.
In 1957 Kieft added two more scooters to the product range, powered by a 147cc and 197cc Villiers engines, and later a 200cc Sachs-powered scooter. It is thought that only a few of the later models were produced.
The Kieft 200R scooter was a Hercules R200 powered by a 3-speed 200cc Sachs engine with electric start, leading link forks, and swinging arm rear suspension. Their K50 moped used a 2-speed 49cc Sachs two-stroke.
In September 1957, BP Scooters of Wolverhampton took over the distribution and sales of the products, which were then marketed under the 'Prior' name.
Kieft had long been asscociated with the Pamax brand, and went on to built Kieft Climax sports cars.
In 1957 Kieft became involved with the DKR project - the initials are those of Day, Kieft, and Robinson.
Sources: icenicam.org.uk, historywebsite.co.uk, et al
