06/30/2009. Eric Clutton, of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, UK, assisted by E. Sherry, designed and built, over a six-year period, the single-seat FRED (Flying Runabout Experimental Design). The roadable aircraft was powered by a 27 hp Triumph 5C motorcycle engine, and registered G-ASZY, Clutton took it to the air for the first time on November 3, 1963.

Soon the engine was replaced, initially by a 34 hp Scott A2S Flying Squirrel motorcycle engine, later by a converted 37.5 hp Lawrence radial engine from an APU. In 1967, in partnership with Mr. Tabenor, Clutton modified the aircraft to Series 2 standard, fitted with a 66 hp Volkswagen engine. Plans for this version became available to amateur constructors in February 1970.

The prototype was further developed into the FRED Series 3, fitted with a 65 hp Continental A65, it was first flown in December 1982. Subsequently it was registered in the USA as N4499Y, after Clutton moved to Tullahoma, Tennessee, in February 1983. Still owned by Clutton, the aircraft was involved in a mishap at Tullahoma, Tennessee, on February 16, 2008, the pilot was unhurt, the aircraft damaged.

The pictured aircraft was constructed in the UK by G.R.G. Smith in 1983.