Mark E - October 1957 to November 1958

Mark A Mark B Mark C Mark D Mark F Mark G Equipe 875 Bug Scooters Production statistics		VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS BY CHASSIS NUMBER   Date Chassis Number Details of modifications and changes in specification SEPT. 1956 H/9/11800 The first entry in the Production Records reads: E.X.P. Mark “E”. The body was completely new, restyled, flat sided with 2 doors and built onto a steel box section chassis. Down each side ran a white plastic “lightening” trim strip. Initially, the engine was a Villiers 9E, 197 cc with a 3 speed direct change gearbox and a Siba Dynastart. This 2/3 seater convertible Tourer had a wrap around windscreen, (detachable) sliding side windows and full width front and rear chrome bumpers fitted with overriders. The wider, oval, front grille was originally part of a quickly detachable assembly that could be removed to give access to the engine, transmission, front wheel, etc. A larger 3¼ gallon petrol tank was fitted, along with a 12 volt electrical system, single windscreen wiper, 7" head lamps incorporating the sidelights, front and rear amber flashing indicators and 4" rear/brake lights. A fibre glass instrument panel contained a 4" diameter speedometer, ignition warning light, choke control, windscreen wiper switch and a three-way key operated switch for ignition, starting and, when fitted, reverse. The whole unit was mounted in front of the driver as part of a full width parcel shelf. New folding seats split 1/3 & 2/3 allowed access to the rear luggage compartment. Whilst both seats were adjustable, the smaller passenger seat could be removed completely to provide greater baggage capacity or even a sleeping space! Hood, interior and seats were Fawn with black “Hardura” floor carpets. Length 11' 0", width 4' 7", height 4' 0". The wheelbase was originally 6' 6" and the initial weight was 620 1b. Tested on the 7th September 1956, the body colour was British Racing Green. Initially, the Price was announced as £339 10 s 6d (£339.53p). This vehicles registration number is believed to be JRN 263 OCT. 1956 H/10/12495 The second vehicle was recorded as a Press car for the Motorcycle Show. Body colour was British Racing Green. NOV. 1956 H/11/12494 Golden Sable, tested on 20th November 1956. NOV. 1956 H/11/12496 Scarlet, fitted with reverse, tested on 20th November 1956. NOV. 1956 H/11/12499 Scarlet, “Show” model, tested on 6th November 1956. NOV. 1956 H/11/12500 British Racing Green, “Show” model, tested on 6th November 1956. DEC. 1956 H/12/12490 Golden Sable, fitted with reverse, tested on 28th December 1956. OCT. 1957 I/12/20000 Production of the “Tourer” started during w/e 26th October 1957. Early handling problems had been overcome by increasing the angle of the front downtube, moving the rear wheels forwards to give a new, decreased, wheelbase of 5' 6" and increasing the track to 4' 5". This resulted in the rear wings having to be redesigned and flared and produced a new width of 5' 0". Other design modifications (new dash panel, front side lights/indicators combined, two windscreen wipers, the introduction of a 4 speed positive stop gearbox and restyled seats, etc.) also meant that the weight had increased to 672 1b. Colours available: Scarlet and British Racing Green. Light Green became available from March 1958. All hood colours were Fawn. Prices increased to £379 13s 9d (£379.68p) and £389 17s 9d (£389.88p) for reverse. JAN. 1958 H/11/12491 Mark E Experimental 12. (Registration number LCK 562) This British Racing Green vehicle was finally tested on 21st January 1958 although the chassis number shows it was started way back in November 1956! The chassis plate declares it to originally have been a reverse convertible and it is believed to have been used by Sharp’s Commercials for development work until it was sold to a motorcycle dealer in Eccleston, near Chorley, in March 1962. It was probably during this period that it was converted to a 4 seater Family model. Note: Whilst 12491 is recorded as being experimental number 12, only eight experimental vehicles can be accounted for and researching the records reveals the missing four numbers are: 12492, 12493, 12497 & 12498. None of these numbers appears to have ever been allocated to either a Mark E or a Mark D. FEB. 1958 J/2/20171 Non standard colour - Light Blue. FEB. 1958 J/2/20204 Non standard colour - Cream. MAY 1958 J/5/20614 The first vehicle recorded with a hard top fitted. Later, this was to become designated the 2/3 seater Saloon Coupe. All hard tops were Stone in colour. Price remained the same as for the Tourer at £379 13s 9d or £389 17s 9d with reverse. MAY 1958 J/5/20654 Originally a 197 cc, British Racing Green Tourer, this vehicle was the first recorded with a Villiers 31A, 250 cc engine number. Other vehicles subsequently re-engined at the Works between May and July were 20706, 20773, 20781, 20789 & 20916. SEPT. 1958 J/9/21052 New type hood mounting plates were fitted. OCT. 1958 J/10/21123 A Scarlet Tourer with a 250 cc engine, recorded as a “Show” car. It is assumed that this and the following vehicles were all to the new Mark F specification. OCT. 1958 J/10/21124 A British Racing Green, 250 cc, Saloon Coupe. OCT. 1958 J/10/21125 A British Racing Green, 250 cc reverse, 4 seater Family Saloon “Show” car. OCT. 1958 J/10/21129 A Scarlet 4 seater Family Saloon, initially not fitted with an engine and destined for the turntable at the 1958 Motorcycle Show. OCT. 1958 J/10/21132 A Light Green, 250 cc, Saloon Coupe “Show” car. OCT. 1958 J/10/21135 & J/10/21137      Two, 250 cc, 4 seater Family Saloons recorded as “Show Extra’s.” Colours: Light Green and British Racing Green. NOV. 1958 J/11/21180 The last vehicle designated as a Mark E was a Light Green Saloon Coupe, tested on 6th November 1958.