(January 2, 2015) BEAULIEU, HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND — The 30th birthday of the Sinclair C5, one of the most unusual vehicles ever to be built in Britain, is being celebrated by the National Motor Museum. First on display in the museum following its launch on Jan. 10, 1985, visitors can again see this electrically-powered tricycle, which was gifted to the museum by its manufacturer.
Despite failing to catch the public’s imagination at its launch, today the C5 is regarded as an icon of 1980’s design and a pioneer of alternative-fueled transport, as well as an endearing British failure.