Press articles

Autoglider is believed to be a brainchild of Charles R. Townsend, the owner of Townsend Engineering Company in Birmingham. The prototype was ridden standing. It was powered by 269cc Villers engine, driving the front wheel. After increasing wheel size from 12 to 16 inches and replacing Villers engine with „Union” engine produced by Midlands Co (Parkes & Sons), the production of Model A started in 1919. It was a very simple vehicle, but it had a longitudinal leaf spring in the frame to produce some resilence for the rider. To advertise new product, Charles Townsend and his works manager rode two Autogliders from Birmingham to London, averaging 20 mph for the 120 mile journey. Next year the box seat was introduced. Three seated versions were sold, named B, C and D. Models B and C were designed to carry parcels, model D was characterised by more stylish seating arrangement with no commercial connotations. It costed 55 guineas, the power output was rated at 2,75 HP. Contemporary publicity material claimed Autoglider would take you anywhere, on any road at any speed you like from 3-40 mph. In 1921 the Union engine was replaced with 269 cc Villiers Mark-4, but this last version was short-lived. The interest in scooters was declining and in 1921 the production of Autoglider was ceased.

Thanks to http://www.omnitrack.co.uk/autoglider/history.htm