1918 Scripps Booth Model C

The Scripps-Booth Cyclecar Company was formed in 1914 in Detroit, Michigan. It was an American automobile company that produced cars from 1914 to 1923, founded by artist and engineer James Booth of the Scripps publishing family. In 1916 they amalgamated with the Sterling Motor Company to become the Scripps-Booth Corporation.

By this time Scripps Booth had been purchased by Chevrolet who in turn became part of General Motors in 1918. During its peak years of 1915-18 Scripps Booth produced both Roadster and 4 door Touring models before the brand was finally discontinued in 1923.

This car is one of two thought to be in the UK. There are approximately 30 others remaining, mostly in America, and most of those are in museums.

This Model C Roadster was delivered to W. Slaten of Pueblo, Colorado in 1918. It appears to have then been passed to Floyd Slaten 1929 in Kansas, and then to James Humble of Cedar Vale in 1937. This is according to Pete Kesling who owned the car from 1977, before selling it to museum owner and car collector Frank Kleptz of Terre Haute, Indiana.

Unfortunately Frank passed away when the restoration was nearing completion, and the Roadster was bought by Nick Bell, and imported into the UK in 2011. It was then sold again in 2016, still required completion. We bought the car in 2018 and have got it 99% complete, and have also registered it in the UK.

The bodywork is in very good condition, and the interior, hood, wheels and chassis have all been restored to a very high standard. We've fitted a new battery, the cylinder head has been repaired, the dynamo has been rebuilt, and some minor electrical work has been carried out.

We've taken it on a few test drives, but it's covered no real distance under our ownership. It's a lovely, unusual vehicle and is only being sold due to lack of space.

Genre

Recent Restoration