Other Raleigh Products
Raleigh attempted to diversify production in response to a slump in the cycle market at the turn of the twentieth century. Much development work was done in 1904 on the Raleighette and simultaneously on motorcycles, but by the end of the year production was abandoned, and no more development was done until after the First World War. The failure of the Raleighette demonstrated the risks of entering a new market, but this was not to deter Raleigh in the future.
Production of motorcycles started after the First World War and derived much prestige from round the coast rides of Hugh Gibson and Marjorie Cottle in 1924. Gibson covered a gruelling 3,429 miles on poor roads in little under 12 days on his 7hp Raleigh with side car. Cottle completed the same feat in the opposite direction on her 2 ¾hp Raleigh without side car.
Between 1922 and 1925 Raleigh sold approximately 15,000 motorcycles, and in 1923, motorcycle sales stood at £115,237. Despite these successes, market forces began to play a significant part on motorcycle production. By 1927 the securing of parts was having an impact and the depression of 1929 severely restricted sales. By 1935 Raleigh closed down its motorcycle and car divisions to concentrate on bicycle production.
The Safety Seven, a 3-wheeled passenger car, was first introduced in 1933. The car was a convertible 4 seater with a twin cylinder engine of 742cc, a top speed of 55mph and petrol consumption of 60mpg. It sold for £94.50. 'Motor Cycle and Cycle Trader' favourably reviewed the Safety-Seven, even claiming that "This new Raleigh is an exceptional and a very interesting departure which should find its market without resistance". In 1935, a saloon version was brought out; all the more surprising as by the end of the year all motorised vehicles, equipment and accessories were dropped from production.
By the 1950s the scooter was gaining popularity across Europe with successful models developed by the Italian firms of Vespa and Lambretta. Popularity was starting to build in the UK, and Raleigh took the decision to start a first-class British built machine along the same lines.
In October 1958 Raleigh launched their first mass-produced moped to the British market. Development continued and in 1960 the Raleigh Roma was introduced. It had a 78cc engine, a top speed of over 40mph and could run for about 120 miles on a gallon of petrol. Despite high profile advertising campaigns using celebrities such as Cliff Richard, the Roma was not a commercial success. The design and name drew inspiration from Italian styling and culture, but unfortunately the lack of a Mediterranean climate probably hampered its appeal!
The Raleigh Wisp was a hybrid machine, incorporating the small wheels and frame of the RSW, with a small 49.9cc engine. It was developed with a fully automatic transmission, meaning that the rider controlled their speed through a simple twist-grip accelerator. The Wisp was the focus of a two-pronged advertising campaign. On one hand it was advertised squarely at men, giving much technical information, whereas the campaign to attract female riders focused on the ‘fun’ aspect.
