1952 ERM Villiers 125cc Scooter

1952 ‘ERM Drone’ Villiers 125cc Scooter

Engine No 285A 32158

Home-built from plans in a 1950 magazine, styled on the Swallow Gadabout

Starts & Runs

DVLA registered with age-related mark

 

This unique scooter was home-built from plans in a 1950 enthusiast magazine, and styled on the 1940s Swallow Gadabout which was the best-selling British scooter at the time. Bear in mind that Lambrettas and Vespas had not yet made their mark – there was a prototype Piaggio scooter on the Douglas Stand at the 1949 Earls Court Motorcycle Show, but production did not start until April 1951. So it was a few years after this machine was constructed that its design was superseded.

According to Villiers Services this engine with prefix 285A was part of a batch supplied to Tommy Meeten’s shop, ‘Meeten’s Motor Mecca’ at Shannon Corner, New Malden. I assume he picked up other parts from London area motor factors.

When the builder was ready to register it, DVLA asked him its make, so he decided to use his location in Erskine Rd, Sutton, Surrey for the maker. So ‘Erskine Road Motors’ or ERM became the manufacturer. ‘Drone’ was his choice for the model name. So it became an ERM Drone. The chassis number is #003, though I don’t know if he built any others.

It had been stored in his garage for many decades when I came across it. My friend got it running, using some replacement parts from Villiers Services. It starts and runs, though could do with some minor fettling – it needs a rear number plate and the throttle grip needs securing on the handlebar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SWALLOW GADABOUT FOR COMPARISON

 

US SCOOTER HOME-BUILD PLANS