City Mobile (United Kingdom)

City Mobile Ltd was a British automotive company based in Fairwarp, Sussex, known for its innovative approach to vehicle design, particularly in the realm of leaning three-wheelers. The company was founded by Dr. Edmund Jephcott, who aimed to create a practical commuter vehicle that offered enhanced stability compared to traditional four-wheeled cars.

The City Mobile Micro featured a distinctive enclosed body, which was styled by designer Richard Oakes. The vehicle was constructed using fiberglass and included a single side door for access. One of its notable design elements was a patented tilting mechanism, initially operated by pedals but later adapted to a damped pendulum system to reduce weight. The vehicle was powered by a mid-mounted 350cc engine sourced from a snowmobile, coupled with an automatic gearbox and clutch that drove the rear wheels.

The prototype of the City Mobile Micro was showcased at the Design Council’s Drive Forward exhibition during the 1984 Birmingham Motor Show. Despite receiving significant media attention and interest from potential investors, including Honda, Dr. Jephcott was unable to secure the necessary backing to bring the vehicle into production. As a result, the City Mobile Micro remained a prototype and did not enter the market, marking a notable yet ultimately unfulfilled chapter in the history of innovative automotive design.