HWD 365 - a rare 1940s (likely 1948) J&A Carter made electric invalid carriage / vehicle. This electric invalid carriage was made by J&A Carter of Great Portland Street, London, and was a very sophisticated piece of kit for its day. Driven by a rear axle-mounted 0.75hp 36-volt electric motor and gearbox made by Lancashire Dynamo and powered by two 18-volt lead acid batteries, it had three forward and three reverse speeds, a handbrake and tiller steering. With battery fully charged it could propel one occupant up to 40 miles at up to 8mph in virtual silence before lengthy recharging became necessary. Costing a princely £295 (plus £26 for the charger), it was strictly for a better class of invalid and the client list included none other than King George V himself. This example appears to have been registered for use on the Isle Of Wight given it's identifier code of 'HWD'. Appears complete, including the original folding hood, tonneau cover, gauges and steering arm. Made of plywood and aluminium panels, with electric lights and hand controls. Running condition unknown, and some signs of wear from use and age. Decomissioned for display in The Electricity Museum some years ago, it has spent the last twenty years or so being carefully safeguarded, and was recently treated for woodworm (certificate of fumigation supplied). A unique and rare survivor.

_{Note - as a second-hand vehicle buyers are reminded that such items are sold strictly 'as is' with no guarantees or warranties as to any aspect of its mechanical or electrical safety, or roadworthiness implied by Auctioneum Ltd or any agent, irrespective of any description, written, or verbal notice. Payment by Bank Transfer only. Viewing is highly recommended. Nationwide delivery can be arranged.}

The Museum Of Electricity in Christchurch, Dorset, was based in a former 1903 Edwardian Power Station. It operated from the early 1980s until 2012. Following a programme of disposal where many of the items have been rehomed and made available for public or community use, the residual artefacts are now being made available for private collection through this auction.

The proceeds from this special sale will be used to support the preservation of, and public access to, SSE’s collection of heritage artefacts. Many of SSE’s heritage objects are on long-term loan while others are currently exhibited at across SSE sites, including Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre in Perthshire, Head office in Perth and the Company’s offices in Forbury Place, Reading.

For electrical items or items containing electrical components, please read the specific terms regarding them under 'Important Sale Information'.