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ca. 1960-1965 Centaur Suitcase Scooter
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Description
The Centaur Suitcase Scooter was marketed as a versatile all-terrain vehicle for hunters, shoppers, campers, commuters, college students, boaters and pilots. Undo the seat strap, open the hinged seat and everything else folds up into the engine box; the front wheel detaches from the fork so it can be stowed inside. The rear wheel can be partially retracted so you can roll the bike like a wheelbarrow…
The Centaur Suitcase Scooter was marketed as a versatile all-terrain vehicle for hunters, shoppers, campers, commuters, college students, boaters and pilots. Undo the seat strap, open the hinged seat and everything else folds up into the engine box; the front wheel detaches from the fork so it can be stowed inside. The rear wheel can be partially retracted so you can roll the bike like a wheelbarrow while it’s folded up.
The Centaur fit neatly in the back of many light planes, and measures only 20″ x 30″ x 16″ when all packed up. It was considered an ideal machine for private pilots who could be stranded at small airports waiting for taxis or rental cars. Don Allen, the original owner of this Centaur, was one of the few pilots who saw the value in the scooter. For years, he packed it in the back of his Cessna and used it as ground transportation when he reached his destination. When his family was young, he could fit himself, his wife and their small daughter on the bike.
While compact in size compared to other motor scooters, the Centaur’s 90 lb weight was far from ideal. When fully fueled, many private planes can only carry 350-450 pounds of people and luggage. A pilot taking the Centaur on their plane might mean they needed to leave behind other luggage or even a passenger.
The Centaur Suitcase Scooters were built from 1960 to 1965 by various American manufacturers. However, none were able to solve the Centaur’s flaws for enough consumers to buy the scooter.
Year:
1965
Donated By:
Don Allen
Engine Size:
4.8 hp