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Details
1975 ENFIELD 8000 TWO DOOR SALOON
Registration No. HTC 222N
Chassis No. 014-4-75
Engine No. 159
White with black interior
Engine: 10 kW direct current "Lynch" motor powered by six twelve-volt batteries; Gearbox: single speed driving rear wheels; Suspension: front, independent coil springs with MacPherson struts, rear, independent coil springs; Brakes: drums all round. Right hand drive.
In 1968 the Electricity Council asked firms to tender a design for a small electric car, continuing to investigate a source for motorised power that predates the internal combustion engine. The successful applicant was Greek shipping magnate John Goulandris, whose 365 prototype was well-tested by the Council before an order was placed for 66 vehicles. These were to be known as the 8000, and were made, to a slightly modified specification, on the Isle of Wight. The decision was taken to extend the remit and offer the cars to the public under the title 8000 Electric City Car, an especially brave move considering that the 8000 weighed almost a ton (975kg, despite being constructed of aluminium body panels over a tubular steel chassis), took around nine seconds to reach 30mph, and had a range of just 56 miles on each charge. This was compounded with the fact that it cost a whopping £2,808 in 1975, at a time when the ubiquitous Mini was selling for just less than £1,300. Only a hundred or so 8000s were made, the aforementioned 66 going to the Electricity Board, and the rest finding their way to deep-pocketed and ecologically-minded private owners.
In its original white paint with black vinyl interior, this example has clearly not been used for many years. It is one of the cars originally built for the Electricity Board, and was first registered to them on the 1st of June 1975. Its exterior is in average condition with some dents and corrosion, but the interior is fair if tired, and as such it represents a solid candidacy for restoration, especially in the current climate for ecological and economical small city cars. This rare car is sold with its V5.
Registration No. HTC 222N
Chassis No. 014-4-75
Engine No. 159
White with black interior
Engine: 10 kW direct current "Lynch" motor powered by six twelve-volt batteries; Gearbox: single speed driving rear wheels; Suspension: front, independent coil springs with MacPherson struts, rear, independent coil springs; Brakes: drums all round. Right hand drive.
In 1968 the Electricity Council asked firms to tender a design for a small electric car, continuing to investigate a source for motorised power that predates the internal combustion engine. The successful applicant was Greek shipping magnate John Goulandris, whose 365 prototype was well-tested by the Council before an order was placed for 66 vehicles. These were to be known as the 8000, and were made, to a slightly modified specification, on the Isle of Wight. The decision was taken to extend the remit and offer the cars to the public under the title 8000 Electric City Car, an especially brave move considering that the 8000 weighed almost a ton (975kg, despite being constructed of aluminium body panels over a tubular steel chassis), took around nine seconds to reach 30mph, and had a range of just 56 miles on each charge. This was compounded with the fact that it cost a whopping £2,808 in 1975, at a time when the ubiquitous Mini was selling for just less than £1,300. Only a hundred or so 8000s were made, the aforementioned 66 going to the Electricity Board, and the rest finding their way to deep-pocketed and ecologically-minded private owners.
In its original white paint with black vinyl interior, this example has clearly not been used for many years. It is one of the cars originally built for the Electricity Board, and was first registered to them on the 1st of June 1975. Its exterior is in average condition with some dents and corrosion, but the interior is fair if tired, and as such it represents a solid candidacy for restoration, especially in the current climate for ecological and economical small city cars. This rare car is sold with its V5.
Special notice
This lot is offered without reserve.
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.