Rival inventor says he created the Sinclair C5

IT WAS the eccentric failure that established the computing innovator Sir Clive Sinclair in the public eye.

But a rival is claiming he designed the C5 electric three-wheeler – once voted the greatest innovation disaster of all time.

Tony Wood Rogers has stepped forward after Sir Clive’s nephew, Grant Sinclair, unveiled a new, faster version. He was hired as a designed it for kids to go to school on, either as a twowheeler or a three-wheeler.”

He admits there were some fundamental problems with the vehicle.

“The components were rubbish, and the gear box was deleted before production, which would have made it go up hills.”

Although its low speed and small size made users feel vulnerable on the road, the C5, priced at £399, became a cult hit, with Prince William and Prince Harry driving one in the grounds of Kensington Palace.

Production ended in 1985 with only 4,500 sold and the firm owing £1m to creditors.

Sir Clive, now 76, carried on inventing, designing a fold-up bike for commuters and a personal computer.

Grant Sinclair’s new streamlined version is an allenclosed electric bicycle capable of reaching speeds of 30mph, twice that of the original, at a cost of £3,999.

He said Mr Rogers’ contribution should be recognised, but that he was not the only designer and inventor working on the project.

He added: “What Clive did was get the cost right down to an affordable and commercial price point by pioneering the use of new materials and mass production techniques.”