You’ll find the most interesting things at a Bonhams auction. Sourced from the Rex Jud Collection and ready for The Spring Stafford Sale in April is the 1920 Autoglider.

The Autoglider was produced by Autoglider Ltd. of Birmingham, England, from late 1919 through 1922. It was one of the earliest production motor scooters in the world and one of the very few front-wheel-drive, chain-driven scooters ever sold in quantity. Developed amid the post-World War I boom in affordable personal transport, it targeted urban commuters—particularly women new to motorized vehicles—who sought something simpler and cleaner than a motorcycle, and more practical than a bicycle.

Depending on the trim level, the retail price for the 1920 Autoglider ranged from £58 to £65 ($4200 to $4700 converted to 2025 dollars), making it a few quid less expensive than contemporary beginner motorcycles. Production is believed to have been fewer than 2,000 units across all variants, including stand-up, seated, tandem, and commercial models.

Power came from a Villiers two-stroke engine, most commonly the 269cc Mk IV unit, although a small number of early machines used a 292cc Union two-stroke. The carburetor was mounted on the right side of the engine, with the muffler at the front with a left-side outlet. The fuel tank was handlebar-mounted and held 1.5 imperial gallons (1.8 US gallons) of 16:1 premix, typical of the era.

Power was sent from the countershaft sprocket via a half-inch roller chain to a large sprocket bolted directly to the front disc-style wheel. This arrangement created a distinctive pulling sensation under acceleration.

Wheels were 16-inch pressed-steel disc wheels fitted with 16 × 2 3/8-inch Palmer Cord tires, known for their puncture resistance and low rolling resistance.

There was no gearbox, keeping the design simple and lightweight. A simple right-hand lever operated a plate clutch that could be disengaged, allowing the engine to idle when stopped. Firing up the engine required push- or bump-starting.

Standard models had a reliable top speed of 30 mph on level ground. A factory-prepared high-performance motor offering higher compression, tuned exhaust, and lighter components was advertised at 50 mph.

Bodywork consisted of varnished three-ply marine-grade plywood panels forming an enclosed rear deck and a continuous running board. This provided weather protection and a distinctive aesthetic. Curb weight ranged from 160 to 170 pounds, depending on the configuration.

Suspension was provided by laminated leaf springs supporting the rear plywood section and seat assembly, while the rigid front relied on the flex of the tire. The setup gave the Autoglider limited but noticeable compliance over uneven surfaces, a marked improvement over fully rigid motorcycles.

The brakes were external contracting band type. The front brake was operated by a handlebar lever acting on the front hub, the rear by a foot pedal acting through a rod and bell-crank linkage.

The Autoglider disappeared from the market by 1923 as rear-wheel-drive motorcycles and sidecar outfits became cheaper to produce and more versatile for rural use. At the same time, the scooter fad was waning due to economic factors.

Fewer than a dozen complete, original Autogliders are known to exist worldwide, preserved in museums such as the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham and private collections. Bonhams is expecting a modest maximum bid of £3500 at The Spring Stafford Sale – The International Classic Motorcycle Show on April 26 at the Staffordshire County Showground, about 25 miles north of Birmingham, for the 1920 Autoglider pictured.