CLARK SCAMP
The Isle of Wight is famous for many things – red squirrels, garlic, the UK’s oldest pier – but it is not generally thought of as a hub of motorcycle manufacture. Sadly, despite a valiant attempt in the late 60s, that appears likely to remain so. But, back in
1968, Alec Clark launched the Clark Scamp, a bicycle-based moped which had a small wheel cycle frame (bought from the Co-Operative Wholesale Society) which was then modified to mount a 50cc two-stroke engine at the rear wheel. It was claimed that, with the exception of the Italian magneto and carburettor, the entire engine was British made. Production started in March 1968 and was swiftly followed by legal action from a Mr Coco who had attempted to sell a similar machine to Clark’s the previous year. The case never went to court, but the Clark Scamp was discontinued later that year after around 2500 machines had been produced.
By then Clark’s was in financial difficulties, partly because of the legal action but mainly because the Scamp was underpowered, alarmingly bendy and had a propensity to break its starting mechanism. At the time, there was just about to be a tsunami of far superior Japanese mopeds land on these shores, added to which it was clear that Clark’s had no idea how to market a motorcycle. While it was a brave venture – especially for a maritime company whose core business was making masts – production lasted just nine months.