In the dim and distant past research into the Ladybird, by Mick Leeson, yielded information of an island economy and Hotel that was looking for a cheap, lightweight, vehicle to use for shuttling tourists/customers/locals who wanted one, around. It is so near the Bermuda story that it is possibly the same. Thus we have the intriguing prospect of two competing designs working to a brief. Depends what you want to believe, but I happen to favour the fact that there was more than one 'Ladybird'.
In the event it would appear that the Fiat Jolly was ordered by the Hotel part of the deal, probably because the civil end only talked and economic reality meant the business had to invest. Strangely I have a Fiat Jolly Gardinera which was ordered by a Caribbean Hotel. One of some 100 made in two orders of differing specification and now only 5 are thought to remain.
The Mink is a prototype. As such it suffers from some degree of parts bin assembly and necessity over styling. It is what it is and not what it could be.
No great write up as it was not for the British market. Need to research the Burmuda Bugle, or whatever.
Numberplate light, I have a feeling it is under the lip. Though the legal frame of an island nation might not call for one, and in the UK it might have taken advantage of a daylight MOT. After all who, but a lady, would be seen out at night wearing a Mink?
Carr brother look as if they were into extras. Also I assume we are looking at blobby jobby Scooters in GRP. That will be why they did not sell. The Italians and Germans supplied well fitting steel panels, with added styling in some cases. Why would you buy something made of plastic that looked like a dustbin, drummed and fell off as it was not rigid?
I still feel if Scootacar had taken the trouble to style their car, a synche as all gubbins is on the platform that matters, they would have sold a darn site more of them. Some nice colours might have helped too. Who wants a car that has the surface, styling and colour of a bogey or clart? Of course now it makes the car interesting, but a missed opportunity, I think.
