Sinclair C5 Prototypes - Part 1

During the development of the C5 there were allegedly about 5 or 6 prototypes running continuously in 12 hour shifts on a test track. Two of these prototypes feature in the Sinclair C5 Preview video which was recorded in 1984 just before the release of the C5 in January 1985.

Here we have lots of pictures of various C5 prototype items. Special thanks to Chas for supplying the images.

Latest from C5owners.com

Lotus C5 prototype by John Dunne It's a common misconception that Lotus only involvement in the C5 develop was the Y frame chassis, however as detailed in the Lotus World Magazine March 1985 & also in both of Barrie Will books who was the Managing Director of Sinclair Vehicle, Lotus developed, designed & build the C5 prototypes.
Lotus C5 prototype by John Dunne
posted on: 24/05/2020
Simplified Relay Controls This article by John Wilson shows how to re-wire a C5 with the original 12V motor.
Simplified Relay Controls
posted on: 27/04/2016
Control Clerk Training Notes Here are some rare C5 training notes from Hoover desgned for call centre staff and engineers.
Control Clerk Training Notes
posted on: 22/03/2016
Offroad Prototypes by Brian McCool For years there had been rumors about the Off Road C5's. Has anybody seen one?
Offroad Prototypes by Brian McCool
posted on: 10/03/2016