ATCO Junior Safetyfirst Trainer

A 1939 ATCO Junior Safetyfirst Trainer car

Key facts

  • Year

    1939

  • Country

    Great Britain

  • Capacity

    98cc

  • Cylinders

    1

  • Valves

    Not applicable

  • Output

    Not known

  • Performance

    10mph

  • Price new

    £35

  • Loaned by

    Private Collection

  • Manufacturer

    Charles H. Pugh Ltd

This innovative little car was manufactured by ATCO, better known as a maker of lawnmowers. The ATCO Junior was designed to give school children basic training in car handling and road sense. It was accompanied by a comprehensive 68 page training manual which explained the controls and mechanics of the car and how to drive in traffic. Power is from a 1hp Villiers engine. All controls are the same as a full size car, apart from the gearbox which has a single gear in each direction.

The 1930s saw a move towards greater awareness of road safety and the need for proper training. The Highway Code had been introduced in 1931 and driving tests became compulsory from 1935. The ATCO Trainer was part of a package for schools that included instruction in basic maintenance and driving on a miniature road system.

Schools should take practical steps towards training children in road sense

House of Lords Select Committee on Road Accidents
1 January 1938

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Panoramic view of the first floor of the National Motor Museum

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