When we talk about the strangest, most bizarre cars in history, the Scott Sociable definitely deserves a mention. Designed by the Scott Autocar Company (an offshoot of the Scott Motorcycle Company) and built between 1921 and 1925, this three-wheeled oddity was unlike anything else on the road.
Originally developed during World War I as a sidecar machine gun carrier, the Sociable was adapted for civilian use when military orders failed to materialize. The car had a weird layout—two wheels in line like a motorcycle and a third wheel awkwardly positioned alongside the rear wheel. It was basically a motorcycle with an identity crisis, supported by a triangulated tubular steel frame.
Under the hood—well, if you could call it that—it had a 578cc water-cooled, twin-cylinder, two-stroke engine from Scott’s motorcycles. Power was delivered through a three-speed gearbox to the offside rear wheel by a shaft, but here’s the kicker: there was no reverse gear. Imagine getting stuck in a tight spot!
Braking was just as questionable. The two rear brakes worked separately—one operated by hand, the other by foot. At high speeds (if you can call them that), braking could be a risky experience.
Scott initially hoped the Sociable would serve in the military, but with no interest, they decided to sell it to civilians. Launched in 1916 but delayed until 1921 due to wartime restrictions, only about 200 units were ever made before production ceased in 1924. Initially priced at £273, the cost dropped to £135 by 1924, but even that wasn’t enough to save it from obscurity.
Today, the Scott Sociable is remembered more as an engineering oddity than a success story—a car that looked as strange as it drove. A true relic of early automotive experimentation, but definitely not a beauty!
