Highlights
- Among the final Scotts from Shipley
- Original, smart example
- Maintenance notes on engine work are present
- Said to have been well-preserved in a warm and dry environment
The Appeal
The 1950 Scott Flying Squirrel stands among the final motorcycles produced by Scott Motors in Shipley, marking the end of an era for a brand celebrated for its pioneering water-cooled, two-stroke engines. Known for its distinctive sound and advanced engineering during the period, the Flying Squirrel remains an appealing choice for collectors seeking a technically unique and characterful post-war British motorcycle.
This particular example, first registered in September 1950, appears well-preserved, with photos showing an odometer reading of 21,898 miles. It has had seven former keepers and has been in the current ownership since 2011. Documents include a V5C, invoices for parts from 2006–2010, old manuals, and maintenance notes suggesting major engine work prior to 2011, along with a radiator replacement in 2006.
The vendor advises that after purchase, the bike was ridden home and displayed indoors for the following 13 years. Finished in black with chrome exhausts, seat springs, and wheels, it presents as an original and attractive example with minor wear such as missing paint and light rust on the footrest and kick-stand spring. The seats appear in good condition, and while the electrical components are said to “work as far as I (the vendor) know”, they have not been tested.
Powered by a 596cc two-stroke, parallel-twin, water-cooled engine with a 3-speed gearbox, this Flying Squirrel is admired for its distinctive design and mechanical ingenuity. The seller notes that the engine has not been started recently but believes it “could likely be brought back to drivable condition with minimal work.”
A rare late Shipley-built example, it offers an appealing opportunity for collectors looking for an authentic and well-preserved piece of British motorcycling history.
The History & Paperwork
- First registered in September 1950
- 7 former keepers
- In current ownership since 2011
- The photos indicate an odometer reading of 21,898 miles
- V5C in existing keeper’s name
- Documents present, include:
* V5C reg cert
* Invoices / receipts for spare parts purchased from 2006 - 2010
* Maintenance notes on engine work
* Old manuals and docs
- The documents show that the radiator was replaced in 2006 and that major engine repair work was done sometime prior to the purchase in 2011.
- The vendor notes “after collecting it, it was ridden home to where it was kept proudly on display in his (the vendor’s father) living room for the next 13 years”
The Condition
- Finished in black paintwork with chrome exhaust, seat springs, and wheels that truly catch the eye
- A well presented, original example
- Some paint is missing from the battery enclosure
- The kick-stand spring is rusty
- Small patches of missing paint and rust on the foot rest.
- Seats appears in good condition
- All electrical components are reported to “work as far as I (the seller) know but they have not been tested”
- Original Smiths speedometer
The Mechanics
- 596cc two-stroke, parallel-twin
- 3-speed gearbox
- Water-cooled
- The seller advises, “the battery was removed, but I think we still have it (or a spare battery that could be installed)”
- We’re told there has been no attempt to start the engine since it was last ridden
- The vendor believes this Flying Squirrel “could likely be brought back to drivable condition with minimal work”
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
