Centaur Folding Scooter- 1964

The Centaur Folding Scooter was designed by James Wilford Foster, formerly an American employee of Lambretta, an Italian scooter manufacturer. Marketed as America’s only “full-size” folding scooter, the relatively heavy 90 pound Centaur folded down into its own seat, becoming a 20” x 30” x 16” box to be stowed in a car, boat, or airplane. It was powered by a 49cc, two-stroke Clinton engine with a cord-start, described as “husky” in an ad from the period. The Clinton engine was usually found in go-karts of the time, and could get the Centaur up to 40mph. That same ad encouraged you to “Go ahead, Centaur-style” and explore the world in your take-along folding scooter.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: Alexander Reynolds Co. Folding Scooters
Country of Origin: United States
Drivetrain Configuration: Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine: 49cc, two-stroke, air-cooled, one-cylinder 5 HP
Transmission: Variator automatic
Top Speed: 40 mph
Years of Production: 1960-1965
Number Produced:
Original Cost: $379 USD

THIS SCOOTER WAS GENEROUSLY DONATED TO THE MUSEUM BY GARY AND MARLA KUDNEY OF GEORGIA.