Beat a retreat in one’s car periodically (7)

I believe the answer is:

scarper

'beat a retreat' is the definition.
(to scarper is to run away)

'in one's car periodically' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'SCARPER' can be found hidden inside 'ones car periodically'.

(Other definitions for scarper that I've seen before include "Vamoose" , "Run away (colloq.)" , "Take to one's heels, cut and run" , "Clear off!" , "Damage" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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