The Rudge Canoe

ca. 1840-1930, probably Ireland — Two women travel in a rowboat balanced on a sidecar. — Image by ©Sean Sexton Collection/CORBIS

“In 1925 through 1927, the Rudge-Whitworth company introduced a line of touring accessories which have never been equaled by any other motorcycle manufacturer…

Specifically, Rudge introduced a full touring caravan, complete with dining table and beds, which could be towed behind one of their ‘4-valve, 4-speed’ models. Added to this, one could order a sidecar chassis carrying a quick-detachable canoe! This was no ‘miniature’ boat, as some manufacturers produced in the 1950s for sidecar haulage; the Rudge canoe was fully 14 feet long. Yet, the company advertised that the “Canoe sidecar can be turned round in a circle of 20 feet diameter, which very few motor cars are capable of doing. To river lovers it gives great mobility and makes it possible to become acquainted with half the rivers in the country.””

— Source

I think this is beautiful and perfectly illustrates a time when America really was great and an attitude and practical, empowering philosophy that was so prevalent then.

I doubt that I or anyone else will ever see its like again.