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[IMG: F/book]
| 21/05/2026 (C) R. Jones 2001-2026
[IMG: Classic cars UK header]
[H1] Welcome to Old Classic Car.
Join the car forum and talk about all aspects of early road transport, classic cars, and vehicle restoration.
[IMG: Forum]
Old Classic Car UK (OCC) contains a wealth of information about vintage & classic cars in the UK and beyond, plus memorabilia that relates to the nostalgia that many people have for motoring in the olden days.If you own a classic, or plan to buy one, then put the kettle on, pull up a chair, and have a wander down memory lane.
Try the search if you're looking for something in particular, & check out the recent video uploads below.
[IMG: Classic car calendars]
[H2] Recent classic car videos
Videos about classic cars, running and fixing old cars, visiting car shows etc are regularly posted to the Old Classic Car Youtube channel. A sample upload is shown below, this one of the Classic Car & Restoration Show at the NEC in 2026.
[H2] Latest updates
(F) = Link to forum
[IMG: April]
April's assembly (20 May 2026)The Combermere classic car gathering was PACKED! (F)
[IMG: Newcastle-u-Lyme]
Newcastle-u-Lyme (16 May 2026)The centre of the town is turned over to ancient cars (F)
[IMG: Shropshire classics]
Shropshire classics (13 May 2026)We're down at Tern Hill in this Old Classic Car upload (F)
[IMG: OCC departures]
OCC departures (11 May 2026)A few changes planned for in the garage (F)
[IMG: Tern Hill]
Tern Hill collection (9 May 2026)Check out Tern Hill Hall's own car collection (F)
[IMG: Brightwells]
Brightwells (6 May 2026)Lots of cars entered into the upcoming auction sale (F)
[IMG: H&H Auction]
H&H Auction (2 May 2026)Walkaround of this classics sale inc the auction results (F)
[IMG: Drive It]
Drive It Day (28 Apr 2026)Lots of new sightings plus Herald faux pas (F)
[IMG: Various things]
Various things (25 Apr 2026)Everything from pedal car to 3D-printed aero engine! (F)
[IMG: The Coachman]
The Coachman (22 Apr 2026)First visit to this meet, plus A40 Somerset memories (F)
[IMG: Hinstock Hall]
Hinstock Hall (18 Apr 2026)Several unexpected sightings in Hinstock, Shrops (F)
[IMG: Cars gather]
Cars gather (15 Apr 2026)A slightly chilly Combermere classic car gathering (F)
[IMG: Classic car birthday cards]
[IMG: Classic cars UK top]
[H2] Featured areas of Old Classic Car
[IMG: Austin 7 photo]
[IMG: 1920s Brooklands track]
[IMG: 1960s Vauxhall Victor]
[IMG: Tuned Ford Escort Mk1]
[IMG: Triumph Dolomite car from the 1930s]
[IMG: Barn-find Rover saloon]
[IMG: Alfa Romeo 2600 Zagato]
[IMG: 1950s tyre inflator]
[H2] Articles on buying & owning classic cars
[IMG: Servicing a Standard 10]
Articles about buying, running and selling classic cars. Also advice on rustproofing to keep the tin worm at bay, storing a vehicle, popular choices, preparing for a show appearance, driving, and pointers on starting an engine that hasn't run for years. These and many more subjects are covered here at Old Classic Cars UK.
[IMG: Mk1 Austin Mini barn find]
Barn findsThere's something about "barn find", "garage find" or "shed find" classics, often an air of mystery surrounds them - how did they end up in this state, and will they be saved? Here, a number of such discoveries that I've been a party to, are described. These include an Austin Mini Mk1, found in an over-grown garage. But what eventually happened to it ...?
[IMG: MGB GT]
Choosing a restorerSelecting an individual or business to restore your pride & joy can be a fraught experience. In this article, a number of factors to consider and tips to help smooth the process are given.
[IMG: Triumph Vitesse]
Crumbling classicsCasting an eye over online advertisements, looking at some of the restoration projects out there in need of urgent TLC.
[IMG: MG sportscar]
Daily driversMany survivors are simply used for weekend drives to the countryside, and/or shows, but what about the die-hard enthusiast who plans to use his or her retro car on a daily basis? Thoughts on the topic of choosing and maintaining a "daily driver" are given here.
[IMG: MG sports]
Dealing with rustFor every immaculate Austin, Morris or Ford out there, several other neglected examples cling onto life with the weakest of grips, rust being the main culprit responsible for them now falling into disrepair. Even the best examples need looking after to prevent rust taking a hold, this article takes a look at where to find rust, and how to prevent it from forming.
[IMG: Practical Motorist magazine]
Diary of a young enthusiastOur son's views on the world of collecting, including articles about his collection of 1930s/1940s/1950s Dinky and Crescent die-casts.
[IMG: Ford Prefect]
DisadvantagesEven the most obsessed enthusiast will, if pressed, admit that not everything concerning our favourite four-wheeled steeds is brilliant. Cruising ability, safety, visibility, and marginal spares availability for example can all be downsides to the hobby that owners have to face up to and deal with, as this article explains.
[IMG: 1950s style driving in a Jowett Javelin]
Driving 1950s styleAnyone more used to driving a modern four-wheeled appliance will, likely as not, panic at the thought of jumping behind the wheel of, and taking to the road in, anything from the 1950s. The basic theory of driving any powered transport from the 1950s is broadly comparable to its modern equivalent, but this article sheds light on the differences to be expected.
[IMG: Estates and station wagons]
EstatesMore unusual than a saloon, and arguably more useful - ancient estates (station wagons/shooting brakes). Un-molested examples can he hard to find, but a good one makes for a great choice IMO. Ten varied choices of (mainly) British examples are described.
[IMG: Hillman Minx]
FAQ Part 1 and Part 2Based on emails received over the many years that this site has been running, a collection of frequently-asked-questions and suggested responses.
[IMG: Triumph Herald]
Find my carVisitors to OCC seek help in tracking down long-lost vehicles of a certain age.
[IMG: Lotus Elan +2]
Finding sparesTips on how to source spare parts - including thoughts on the merits (or otherwise) of buying a spare parts donor.
[IMG: Ford-based special of the 1950s]
Ford-based specialsHome-builts based on Ford 8/10 running gear were all the rage throughout the 1950s and into the 1960s, utilising fibreglass bodyshells produced by a myriad of firms such as Ashley, Falcon, Buckler and Tornado, all designed to fit the Ford chassis.
[IMG: TVR]
Future classics - Sportscars, Performance models, Family favourites, Luxury marques and Best forgotten!?!?Four pages, written a little while ago and slightly tongue-in-cheek, suggesting which might be the collectables of the future. Many of those included most definitely are now in that camp.
[IMG: Motorist in the 1950s]
How to buy a classic car and Types of classicAdvice on seeking out and buying the best example you can. Article two considers the different types of preserved vehicle available. In the dropdown are a number of buyer's guides:
[IMG: Rover P5B]
Laying up a carHelp with the laying up process, perhaps over the winter or for a longer period of time.
[IMG: Spark plugs]
Looking afterWith a suitable oldie sat in the drive or garage, a few pointers on how best to look after it. This includes how to check the engine oil, dealing with rusted nuts, checking spark plugs, and adjusting SU carburettors.
[IMG: Garage]
MOT preparationThe MOT is only compulsory for private cars under forty years of age now in the UK, however many motorists with older vehicles continue with an annual MOT inspection. Guidance on what to check for before heading off to the Test (initially known as the "Ten Year Test") is here.
[IMG: Towing an Austin A40 Farina]
Moving a car and Towing car trailersSuggestions on how to safely move a non-runner. The first article covers the options, ie use of a professional recovery firm, using a trailer, an A-frame, or a wheeled towing dolly. Article two focuses specifically on how to safely tow using a trailer.
[IMG: Ford Anglia]
Popular choicesOld favourites such as the Morris Minor, and the Ford Anglia 105E, described here.
[IMG: Jaguar S-Type]
Restored or unrestored?Pondering whether to buy a restored example, or a project that then needs restoring? Read this guide first.
[IMG: Tatra]
Save money on motoringWhether running an oldie or a modern, no-one wants to waste money. Have a read of this article and maybe pick up a few tips on how to save money while at the wheel.
[IMG: Car in garage]
SecurityGuidance on how to protect your classic and its contents, including tips on the best place to park at night, and ways to immobilise a vehicle.
[IMG: Jaguar E-Type Roadster]
Selling classic carsSuggestions on how to go about parting with your beloved, and how to establish a valuation.
[IMG: Orange Lamborghini Miura]
Show preparationVarious recommendations on how to go about preparing for a show appearance, including tips on concours preparation.
[IMG: Tow starting a car]
Starting a car's engineThe different ways that a reluctant engine can be persuaded to run when the battery is flat. Advice on the correct use of a starting handle, plus bump starting, and jump starting.
[IMG: Austin Somerset]
Storage and garaging plus Storage in the garageThoughts on storage, whether at home in the driveway or in a garage, in a rented lock-up, or with a serviced storage facility. In the second article, ideas on how to maximise the space available in a home garage.
[IMG: A vintage tourer]
Vintage mattersThoughts on the vintage era, and also the post-vintage days leading up to WW2.
[IMG: Austin 7 Ruby]
Wanted - old car or vanWanted, barn-finds and similar non-runners. Also see the Old Car site.
[IMG: Humber Super Snipe]
Where to buy and Why buy a classic?Firstly, suggested places to look when thinking of buying, followed by a second article giving good reasons for choosing one in the first place.
[IMG: Morris 1100 in winter]
Winter preparationWhether you plan to drive it throughout the winter, or tuck it up safe, warm and dry in a cosy garage, there are several key jobs to undertake to ensure its wellbeing.
[IMG: Workshop vice]
Workshop safety and Asbestos & older carsDos and don'ts in the workshop are listed in the first article linked to here. The second looks at the issue of asbestos in certain components that might turn up on older vehicles being worked upon.
[IMG: A vintage Studebaker]
Your classicsArticles submitted by visitors to OCC, describing the four-wheeled gem(s) that they own, ranging from the vintage era right through to the 1970s.
[IMG: Volvo PV544 and an old road sign]
More articles and More sitesMore articles with a motoring theme to them, including just going out for a drive for the heck of it, an old flame re-surfacing in the classifieds, and a promotion from the 1930s that included use of Austin motor-cars. The second page lists a few of my other sites.
[H2] Automobilia and collectables
[IMG: Automobilia]
In this corner of OCC, collectables that relate to the world of motoring ("Automobilia") are covered. For instance, there is a wealth of garage-related paperwork, including old invoices, receipts, sales and promotional items, and lots more. Items relating to specific makes and models, as well as motorsport, can also be found.
[IMG: Classic collectables]
An introduction to collecting automobiliaTips on choosing what type of automobilia to collect, based on available storage space and funds.
[IMG: Car adverts]
Adverts pt1 and Adverts pt2Two pages of early vehicle advertisements, including coaches, lorries, vans and accessories.
[IMG: Classic car birthday cards]
Birthday CardsA unique series of birthday cards available to buy today, featuring classic cars, vintage cars, veteran cars and more.
[IMG: Book reviews]
Book reviewsTransport books reviewed.
[IMG: Calendars]
CalendarsStunning OCC wall calendars now available to buy, featuring eye-catching cars, trucks and other vehicles from days gone by.
[IMG: Car brochures]
Car brochuresA new addition to OCC, this section will grow to include reviews of period manufacturer sales brochures dating from the 1930s through to the 1980s, from my own collection.
[IMG: Car magazines]
Car magazinesHere, a wide selection of older motoring magazines are featured, going back to the early years of the 20th Century. British magazines pre-dominate in this section, although rare titles from the USA and elsewhere in Europe are present. A number of trade and owners' club magazines are also described in detail, as are various publications issued by manufacturers themselves.
[IMG: Cars on book covers]
Children's motor booksA great many children's books and annuals were either about transportation, or else featured illustrations of transport-related scenes on their covers. Five pages of book scans have been uploaded to date.
[IMG: Classic car collectables]
CollectablesSeveral hundred pages of ephemera relating to older vehicles, including AA badges, tax discs, garage paperwork, sales leaflets and more.
[IMG: Car literature]
LiteratureThoughts on collecting related books, magazines, brochures and other similar literature.
[IMG: Motor racing collectables]
Motor racing memorabiliaAn article that looks at the collecting of memorabilia relating to motor racing in the 1900s to the 1960s, with a few examples.
[IMG: Car games]
Motoring gamesBoard games and card games that relate to the automobile have long been produced, and in this area a number of them are described. Magnetic and electrically-operated slot-car games receive coverage too, as do old transport-related jigsaw puzzles.
[IMG: Motoring humour]
Motoring humourBooks, postcards and cartoons all with a humorous take on the subject.
[IMG: Old race programmes]
Old racing programmesCasting an eye over a broad selection of historic racing programmes for events held at venues such as Brooklands, Donington, Goodwood and Shelsley Walsh.
[IMG: Classic pedal cars]
Pedal carsWithin this section there are several pages devoted to collectable types from the olden days, including a small archive of original photographs that feature examples from the 1920s-onwards. There is also a section describing Tri-ang's extensive range in the mid-1930s.
[IMG: Petrol & oil]
Petrol & oil relatedDiscussing petroliana - items relating to petrol and oil companies, including petrol tins, enamel signs, pourers and more.
[IMG: Classic car radios]
RadiosTips on choosing a period-correct radio.
[IMG: Sound effects records]
RecordsSound-effects records (33/45/78rpm) from the 1940s-1960s recorded on road and track. One rare example recalls demonstration runs held at Oulton Park in 1958 of the Mercedes-Benz "Silver Arrows".
[IMG: Road maps]
Road mapsCollecting old road maps is one of the more affordable collecting areas, in this article a number of publications from arou

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See Homepage.
This page: An index of the several thousand classic & vintage vehicle photographs featured on the site.
[IMG: Original transport photographs]
[H1] Master index of the vintage motoring gallery.
The vintage transport photos in this section of the site are now spread over 21 pages. Most are black & white or sepia, with just a few being early colour shots. In an attempt to make some kind of sense of them all, I've listed them on this one page, in alphabetical order. Some pages feature several different photographs of a vehicle type, whereas in other instances, a variety of photos showing one particular type of car might appear in more than one page. Hopefully this new index of vintage vehicle photos will help visitors to the site find pics of the cars, lorries, coaches or vans that most interest them.
[H2] Genealogy research.
If you are researching your family tree or history, and have old photos that show motor-cars that need identification, by all means send them over and I'll see if I can help out. If you have any photos like those featured here, and would be willing to share them, it'd be great to hear from you. All types and ages of cars, vans, trucks and public service vehicles (buses, coaches and taxis) now feature here, but this is very much a 'work in progress' section of the site, and it'll continue to be built up as I find more photographs to put on, and more get sent over to me. Thanks to everyone who has helped out by either sending their own photos over to include here, or who have helped identify some of the vehicles shown in the photos. Vehicles that I've not been able to identify usually end up on the Mystery Cars photo page, until they are identified. Several thousand recent photographs of vintage and classic cars can be found in the car show galleries section.
The photographic images listed on this page all feature in one of the following gallery pages, numbered 1-21:
Index of vintage motoring photographs
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[H2] Alphabetical list of car, van, lorry & other transport photographs.
AA Motorcycle & sidecarAn AA Road Patrol seen attending to a member.
Abarth 1300 OT PeriscopioUnusual photo of a UK-registered Abarth.
AC 2 Litre saloonA period photograph showing a 2 Litre saloon.
AC AceA 1957/1958 AC Ace parked at a racing circuit in the 1960s.
AC Cobra 289Two images showing race prepared Cobras in the 60s.
AC tourerA vintage AC in Australia.
Adler CabrioletBelieved to be a c1938 Adler 2 Litre Cabriolet EV.
AEC MatadorAn RAF AEC Matador in 1941 plus a post-war example.
AEC Regal IIIThe Indiaman bus service from London to Calcutta by AEC.
AEC RelianceTwo different views of an AEC coach.
AEC trolleybusTrolleybus reg FZ 7836 negotiates a Belfast street.
Aermacchi / Harley trailerAn interesting trailer designed to transport a scooter.
Aero 500 / 662Rare view of a pre-war Aero from Czechoslovakia.
Aero MinorTwo-door saloon and 'woodie' estate car.
AJSClassic AJS motorcycle.
Albert 12hpFour photos of a vintage Albert 11.9hp touring car.
AlbionLine-up of Albion lorries operated by a police force.
Alfa Romeo 1900 BerlinaFour-door Alfa Romeo spotted in 1950s London.
Alfa Romeo 6C 15001929 6C Super Sport at Gravesend Speed Trial.
Alfa Romeo 6C 1750Real vintage style spotted in a 1950s car park.
Alfa Romeo 8C 2600 MonzaNigel Mann's 8C 2.6 Monza at Goodwood in 1949.
Allard J2A J2 parked outside Connaught Engineering Ltd.
Allard K2Two pics of a classic Allard sportscar of 1950/1951.
Allard M-TypeA 1949 M-Type drophead coupe parked in London 1954.
Allard PrototypeAn experimental Allard with full folding metal roof.
Alvis 10/30An early 1920's Alvis 10/30 2-seater with dickey.
Alvis 12/50Believed to be a 12/50 fitted with Carbodies coachwork.
Alvis TC21/100 Grey LadyPhoto of TC21/100 Grey Lady on a garage forecourt.
Angus-SandersonSepia shot of a 1920 Angus-Sanderson 14hp tourer
ArgyllAn early veteran-era Argyll seen circa 1906
Ariel motorcyclesB&W photos of Ariels (Sloper etc)
Armstrong Siddeley 14hp Mk1Snapshot of the vintage tourer c1928.
Armstrong Siddeley 17hpTwo photos of a 17hp saloon on a family's holiday.
Armstrong Siddeley 18hp1930's view of a spacious Open Tourer.
Armstrong Siddeley 30hpPhoto of a vintage 30hp Open Tourer.
Armstrong Siddeley HurricaneA Hurricane doing the 'grand tour' of Europe in the 50s.
Armstrong Siddeley SapphireVarious old photos showing the A-S Sapphire saloon
Army carsFour images of soldiers with their cars, inc. a Morris & Riley.
Army vehiclesA smart lineup of 50s Army vehicles on display.
ARP vehicles in WW21935 Chrysler & 1937 Vauxhall on ARP duties in WW2.
Arran lorryPhotos of mid-1930s Arran lorries.
Ashford Motors LtdPost-war images of this Rootes garage / dealers.
Ashley 1172Colour photos of an Ashley 1172 Roadster special.
Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk21955 Aston Martin DB2/4 fixed head coupe.
Aston Martin DB3SDB3S/1 YMY 307 at Charterhall in the 1950s.
Aston Martin DB4Dating to 1961 a red DB4 parked at the roadside.
Aston Martin Le MansAn Aston Martin Le Mans from 1932/1933.
Aston's garages (Coventry)New Austin & other used car garages 1940s-on.
Atom 500ccDesigned for dirt racing in the UK, circa 1955.
ATS mechanicsWW2 ATS girls working on army Humbers
AuburnOriginal old photo of an Auburn - possibly the Series 120
Auburn 851 SpeedsterAmy Mollison (nee Johnson) and her 851 Speedster
Austin 10 GS11946 saloon parked up
Austin 10/4 CliftonCirca 1937 Austin tourer with dickey seat
Austin 10/4 SaloonB/w photos of the 1932-1934 Austin 10/4 four door saloon
Austin 10/4 TourerOriginal pic of a soft-top Ten-Four Austin.
Austin 10/4 VanOld photos of Ten-Four camper & milk delivery van.
Austin 10 CambridgeViews of c1938 Ten Cambridges.
Austin 10 ColwynAn Austin Ten Colwyn cabriolet from the mid 30s.
Austin 10 LichfieldAn owner seen with her pre-war Austin 10 Lichfield.
Austin 1100Three different Austin 1100s back in the 1960s.
Austin 12/16?An Austin saloon from the 1930s serving in the war effort.
Austin 12/4 BurnhamImmaculate and crashed examples of the 12/4
Austin 12/4 CabrioletRare Austin 12/4 New Ascot Cabriolet of 1938/1939
Austin 12/4 LandauletteA 1939 Austin Heavy 12/4 Landaulette Taxi in 1954.
Austin 12/4 Mulliner DHCEleven chaps photographed on top of a 1927/28 Austin.
Austin 12/4 TaxisB/W & colour shots of Austin Low Loader taxis in London.
Austin 12/6 EtonPhotos of 1936 two-door Eton Coupe.
Austin 16Photos of the post-war (1948/1949) Austin 16hp
Austin 18Circa 1935 Austin 18hp Chalfont or York with chauffeur
Austin 152Austin in use with a plant hire business
Austin 1800Mk1 Landcrab on Police duty in Northumberland
Austin 20 LandauletteTwo Austin 20hp Landaulettes with their drivers.
Austin 28 RanelaghA rare photo showing the 28hp Austin Ranelagh limousine.
Austin 3 LitreAn Austin 3 Litre found dumped in a river.
Austin 7 AceAustralian-built two-seat sports.
Austin 7 Ace/SpecialAnother interesting A7 in Australia.
Austin 7 "box" saloon Page 1Fourteen separate pics of the Austin Seven 'box' saloon.
Austin 7 "box" saloon Page 2Further images of the pre-Ruby Sevens.
Austin 7 ChummyPhotos from the 1930s showing vintage Austin 7 Chummys.
Austin 7 EA 65 / NippyEither an EA 65 or Nippy Austin 7, on the Monte Carlo.
Austin 7 Gordon EnglandA smart Gordon England Cup A7 at RAF Great Dunmow.
Austin 7 OpalPost-war photo of a supercharged Austin 7.
Austin 7 PD TourerA 1934 PD Tourer parks outside Welland's Garage for petrol.
Austin 7 RubyA Ruby and various forklift trucks.
Austin 7 RubyFour photos showing a smart Austin Ruby.
Austin 7 RubyTwo children merrily at play with a worn out Austin chassis.
Austin 7 RubyMore period photographs showing Austin 7 Rubys.
Austin 7 Ruby & RanelaghMore pics of the baby Austin Seven, plus a 20/4 Ranelagh.
Austin 7 SpecialDifferent examples of Austin 7 specials
Austin 7 SwallowAustin 7 Swallow saloon & tourer
Austin 7 TourerSeveral photographs showing these early Austin 7 tourers.
Austin 7 Tourer on stageThree chaps seen in a theatrical production, 'driving' an A7.
Austin 7 Twin CamAustin 7 single seater racing car, Crystal Palace.
Austin 7 VanAn original van based on the diminutive Austin 7 chassis.
Austin 8Examples of four-door Austin 8 saloon.
Austin 8 Staff carA diminutive Austin pressed into wartime duty with the RAF.
Austin 8 Staff car (tourer)Rare photo of a tourer-based Army staff car in Portugal.
Austin 8 TourerPhotographs of an Austin 8 tourer at the seaside
Austin 8 Tourer cartoonsSome interesting cartoons drawn during WW2.
Austin 8 VanPeriod photo of a van in RAC Service livery
Austin A30Early AS3 & later AS4 versions of the Austin A30.
Austin A30 VanAn A30 converted from a van to an estate car.
Austin A35Various examples of the classic Austin A35 saloon.
Austin A35 PickupBuilt in 1957, two old pics of a rare A35 Pickup
Austin A35 VanA 1950s A35 seen in Somerset.
Austin A40 CountrymanThe estate-car version of the early 1950s A40 range.
Austin A40 Coupe UtilityAn Australian Coupe Ute, based on the British Austin A40.
Austin A40 DevonVarious A40 Devons inc a lovely A40 Devon woodie.
Austin A40 DorsetRare photos of the post-war two-door A40
Austin A40 Farina Mk1Side view of Mk1 A40 Deluxe saloon, & a Mk1 at Cowley.
Austin A40 Farina Mk2An early Mk2 Austin A40 seen in the Alps in 1963.
Austin A40 PickupTwo people stood alongside their A40 light commercial.
Austin A40 SomersetThe curvy Austin Somerset of the early 1950s.
Austin A40 Somerset Page 2A second page of old A40 Somerset pics.
Austin A40 Somerset Conv.An A40 Somerset convertible seen in London (1954).
Austin A40 VanA beautifully signwritten A40 (Devon) van.
Austin A50 CambridgeA shiny new A50 Austin seen in 1955 & other examples.
Austin A55 CambridgePre-Farina Austin A55s, one on wedding-car duty.
Austin A55 CambridgeAn A55 in the car park at Cheddar Gorge & other pics.
Austin A55 Cambridge Mk2An early Farina-designed A55 Cambridge circa 1959.
Austin A60 CambridgeFarina's finest, an A60 Cambridge saloon.
Austin A70 HampshireWhat looks like a home-made A70 Hampshire estate car.
Austin A70 HerefordAn RAC Patrolman alongside an Austin Hereford
Austin A90 AtlanticAustin's glitzy Atlantic coupe seen here in LHD form.
Austin A90 DHCFive photographs of a drophead A90 seen in Australia.
Austin A95 WestminsterAn Austin A95 seen parked outside a BMC factory.
Austin A110 WestminsterA Mk2 A110 Westminster Police patrol car.
Austin A125 SheerlinePhotographs of A125 limousines and hearses.
Austin Allegro estateFour photos of a late-1970s Allegro estate.
Austin Big 7B&W and colour photos from the 1950s.
Austin camperWonderful Austin-based camper of the 1930s.
Austin FL1 vanAn 'Evening Standard' newspaper delivery van.
Austin GipsySeries 1 Gipsy towing a trailer
Austin K Series busUsed by the Canal Army Bus Service near Suez.
Austin K8 3 way vanAustin K8 vans & dropside lorry.
Austin LoadstarSide view of a 1950's Austin lorry.
Austin Mini Mk1A mildly-tuned Mk1 Mini and an Austin 'Seven' in France.
Austin Mini Mk1 CountrymanA Mk1 Mini Countryman on tour overseas
Austin Mini Mk1 DeluxeTwo smart Deluxe Mini saloons, one with roof rack.
Austin Mini Pickup (conv.)1964 pickup converted into a catering van.
Austin RipleyThree views of one particular Ripley used by the police.
Austin SixPre-war Austin Six motor-cars in coastal locations.
Austin TillyAustin Light Utility Truck (Tilly) in WW2.
Austin WhippetAustin car company produces its own aeroplane.
Austin trials carFour different photos showing the same trials car in action.
Austin-Healey 100/6Stirling Moss on an Austin-Healey 100/6 at Aintree.
Austin-Healey 3000A 1964 Healey 3000 seen in Carnaby Street London.
Austin-Healey Sprite Mk1Photographs of different Mk1 A-H Frogeye Sprites.
Austin-Healey Sprite Mk1Photos of a tuned Mk1 in the 1960s.
Austin-Healey Sprite Mk2The Mk2 Sprite of 1961-onwards.
Auto Union (Audi) 1700Simple if a bit dull.!
Aveling & Porter steamrollerPhotos of A & P steam rollers and an Advance diesel.
Bean 11.9hp tourerOriginal photo taken in East Sussex.
BeardmoreA Beardmore (Chenard-Walcker) removals lorry.
Bedford ASYCTwo 1936/1937 ASYC or ASXC delivery vans.
Bedford CA canopyA rare photo of the CA canopy pick-up by Grosvenor.
Bedford CA ice cream vanSelling Lyons Ice Cream - Stop Me and Buy One :-)
Bedford CA vanA Mk2 CA van with members of band 'The Concords'.
Bedford CA vanTwo vans seen in a typical British high street.
Bedford CA vans & campersBedford vans, with signwriting, plus Kenex & Dormobile.
Bedford HC vanOriginal view of a 5/6cwt Bedford HC speaker van.
Bedford LorryA tired-looking short chassis Bedford seen in 1959.
Bedford Mobile ShopA rare photograph of a bus converted into a mobile shop.
Bedford OY & MWPost-war shots of the OY and MW Bedfords.
Bedford PC UtilityAn Australian 1/2 ton Bedford PC ute.
Bedford PC VanOriginal photos of British-built Bedford PC vans.
Bedford PC WagonA station wagon based on the GM-Holden PC panel van.
Bedford recovery lorryA 1937 Bedford lorry with Spurling Motors Ltd (Hendon).
Bedford RLSix photos of Army Bedfords serving in Germany.
Bedford S-TypeArticulated S-Type Mobilgas petrol tanker.
Bedford SB coachPhotos of Duple & Burlingham SBs.
Bedford TKExamples of the TK tipper, van & artic.
Bedford VAL coachExamples of twin-steer Bedford VAL coach.
Bedford WLGPre-war photos of a 2 ton Bedford WLG cattle lorry.
Bell's GarageGarage and car hire firm in Kensington.
Belsize 10/12hpTwo gents and a post-Edwardian Belsize.
Belsize-Bradshaw 9hp roadsterAn early 1920s two-seat roadster.
Bentley 3.5 litre (Barker)1934 Bentley with Barker Sedanca Coupe body.
Bentley 3.5 litre (F&W)Freestone and Webb Bentley saloon.
Bentley 3.5 litre (MPW)1935 Derby Bentley by Mulliner Park Ward.
Bentley 4.5 litreA 1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre tourer seen at a '50s event.
Bentley MkVIMk6 Standard Steel Saloons inc one in 1969.
Bentley R-TypeTwo photos of an R-Type Bentley in a showroom.
Bentley S1 ContinentalA Continental DHC & Standard Steel saloon.
Bentley S3 ContinentalA Bentley S3 Continental by H.J. Mulliner Park Ward.
BianchiA Bianchi tourer seen at Bullock's garage in Cheadle.
Bianchi S9Rare picture of a Bianchi S9 at Brooklands race track.
BicyclesImages of cycles from the 1920s onwards.
Bignan 11CVPeriod photograph of a mid-1920s tourer.
Blackpool tramsCoronation & Balloon Cars in service (1963).
Bloody MaryJohn Bolster's historic hillclimb special.
BMC ServiceImages of BMC's Cowley service building.
BMW 501Rear three-quarter view of a c1952 501.
BMW 600A four-wheeled BMW 600 and other classics in Austria.
Bond Equipe GT4The fibreglass, Herald-based, Bond GT4/GT4S.
Borgward Isabella estateEstate car version of the Isabella, seen at a caravan site.
Borgward P100A foreign-registered P100 saloon seen in Britain.
Bown 98ccA rare Bown 98cc

[IMG: Click here to return to OCC homepage]
[IMG: OCC YT]
See Homepage.
This page: Motoring collectables - old garages, trade associations, advertisements, motor dealer promotions etc
[H1] Automobilia, and other car-related collectables.
[IMG: Pratts High Test fuel]
Since its debut in late 2001, Old Classic Car has grown in many different directions, usually in a slightly haphazard fashion, as new ideas spring to mind and older ones get swiftly forgotten. A quick look at the homepage will present a list of car articles, on everything from running, choosing and driving old cars, through to some buyer's guides, large galleries containing images old and new, vintage road signs, toy cars, illustrated childrens book covers, classifieds, my own classics, your classics, and on and on.
As a collector of all motor-related memorabilia, many items in my own automobilia collection don't really fit in any particular section, hence this new corner of the website, which will grow to contain all manner of snippets, ephemera, old adverts, book mentions, and any oddities that I come across in my travels. Everything on this page has been grouped into one of three categories: 1. Make or Model Specific, 2. Old Garage, Business & Motor Factor billheads and invoices, and 3. Miscellaneous automobilia.
Other collectables on oldclassiccar
If you collect this kind of thing too, have a look at the free-to-list Automobilia adverts section. The Motoring Games section may be of interest too. A section added in 2007 covers the collecting of cigarette & trading cards from the 30s to the 60s, and if old comic postcards are your thing, check out these car-related humorous postcards. Anyone interested in old oil and petrol company memorabilia, may find this article on petroliana of interest. Finally, a new section featuring some of my own motoring gadgets is gradually being added to the site.
[IMG: Motoring and car-related collectables]
Make or model specific....
Albion Motor Car Company Ltd
(Original factory letters from 1929)
Ariel Price List 1948-1949
(Prices for the Square Four, Red Hunter etc motorcycles)
Aston-Martin & Lagonda tourers
(Period press photo featuring two roadsters)
Austin - 1930's touring book
("Seeing Britain & the Continent from an Austin")
Austin 12/6 competition
(An entry ticket to win a 12/6 Harley, dated 1932.)
Austin 1100 Car Care Cards
(1968 set of 'Jack Brabham's Car Care Cards'.)
Austin 1800 taxi
(Old drinks coaster from Radio Cabs of Sale, Mcr.)
Austin 20 Test Drive
(Austin Motor Show invite, Vincent's of Reading, 1921.)
Austin A40 Accessories
(BMC Approved Accessories for the A40 Farina, 1960.)
Austin A40 Dorset & Devon Colours
(Factory publication from 1947/1948.)
Austin Aero Works (Longbridge, 1940)
(WW2 Luftwaffe aerial photographic print.)
Austin of England memorabilia
(Original Austin paint tins and A35 sweeties!)
Babs - Parry-Thomas' LSR car
(Featured on a 1927 copy of The Nelson Lee comicbook)
Bedford Drivers Club
(A BDC members' handbook from 1949/1950)
"Blue Bird" & Sunbeam Land Speed Record
(Both cars feat. on 1927 copies of The Nelson Lee)
BMC Approved Accessories
(Inc. a leaflet specific to the Morris 1100 1964/1965)
BMC - For Your Safety booklet
(A guide to employee safety in BMC car factories)
BMC, Kennings, Newton Oil ++ matches
(Various free motoring-related matchbooks)
BMC Passport to Service
(Austin 1100 service booklet from 1964)
BSA motorcycle hire purchase
(A new dealer scheme for 1962)
BSA Sunbeam scooters
(Price lists for 1961 and 1962)
Canterbury Motor Car Company
(A sales catalogue for Canterbury cars, 1904)
Chicago Electric
(Correspondence from this electric car maker in 1914)
Citroen 2CV Type AZ
(2CV advertising leaflet dating to 1956)
Commer Cob Van (Accessories)
(Accessories leaflet for the Series 1 Cob)
Fairthorpe Cars Ltd
(Leaflet for the Electron, Electron Minor, & Rockette)
Ford Anglia
(Two period drinks mats featuring the 105E)
Ford Body Colours
(Colour options for 100E, Mk1 Consul, Zephyr Six, Zodiac)
Ford Factory-Built Engine Exchange
(Factory re-conditioned engines from Ford in 1961)
Ford Model A & AC
(The first Ford cars of 1903 and 1904)
Ford Prefect 100E competition prize
(Prize draw ticket from 1957 to win a new Prefect)
Ford Motor Company (Aero Engines)
(Wartime papers, Trafford Park, Manchester)
Ford V8 (France production)
(Stationery ref: the French-built Ford V8 of the 1930s)
Ford V8 (German market)
(Original dealer poster from 1938)
Frank Morrish & Co. 1904
(Maker of cycles and the Speedwell Light Car)
Healey Silverstone
(Flyer for Charles Mortimer's book in 1951)
Heinkel Cabin Scooter manual
(A battered original handbook for the 3 wheeler)
Hercules Bicycles
(Sale promotion letter dating to 1926)
Hillman Minx Christmas present
(Treat your lady to a new Minx at Christmas!!)
Hobart 2.5hp motorcycle from 1915
(Insurance document from 1923-1924)
Holden Coupe Utility pickup
(An original advert for this Australian Ute)
Hudson Essex Motors Limited
(A receipt from Hudson Essex in 1933, and a 1929 letter)
Humber Hawk raffle ticket
(A raffle ticket that won a 1951 Hawk at RAF Changi)
Jaguar Mark V artwork.
(Contemporary '40s painting used in advertising lit.)
James Cycle Company Ltd.
(Invoice for this cycles & motorcycles company 1932)
Jeep parts & conversions (Metamet).
(1951 and 1953 catalogues)
Jowett Javelin photograph
(Late 1940s artwork for the British Javelin car)
Lanchester Motor Company Ltd
(Original invoices issued by Lanchester in 1933)
Lancia (England) Ltd
(An invoice for Lancia car parts, 1938)
Marina Taxis, Victoria Garage
(A pair of 1970s Marinas used in Whitchurch)
Maserati 4CLT/48
(Baron de Graffenried on the cover of Eagle comic, 1963)
Matchless L/3 350cc sales leaflet
(Published 1924)
Matchless motorcycles (H Collier)
(Old invoice from H Collier & Son 1928)
Morris Cowley & Oxford "bullnose"
(Prize draw in 1924 to win a brand new Morris)
Morris Minor tourer 1930s
(Old snippet from a sales catalogue)
Morris Motors insurance (1924)
(A Morris dealer's aide-memoire)
Morris Oxford motorists' road guide
(A 1920s guide offered by Morris Agents Dallas & Co.)
NSU Quickly
(Mid-1950s sales leaflets for the Quickly moped)
NSU Sport Prinz
(An advertising postcard from the factory)
Nuffield Motoring Diary 1965
(Leather pocket diary given to customers)
Renault motor-car 1929
(Receipt for vintage Renault at George Newman & Co. Ltd.)
Railton 6 cylinder cars
(Original sales leaflet from 1938)
Rolls-Royce promotional lorry
(A Silver Ghost (?) used by Notwen Oils)
Singer & Co. Limited
(Old headed paperwork dating to 1931)
Singer Chamois training course
(Info on a Singer training course run by the Rootes Group)
Singer SM1500 artwork
(Great 1950s advertising art for this car)
Standard Eight in Hotspur!
(A 1955 Eight features in this children's comic)
Standard Vanguard Alpine Trial
(Booklet describing a gruelling Alpine test of this new car)
Standard Vanguard Spacemaster
(Australian-badged version of the Phase 2 Vanguards)
Triumph 1300 notepads
(Two small notepads for the 1300 fwd)
Triumph Herald 948
(Artwork used to advertise the first of the Heralds)
Triumph Tiger T100
(Invoice issued by the Meriden Works in 1952)
Vauxhall 14 on a calendar
(Humorous post-war calendar featuring a Vauxhall saloon)
Vauxhall (1928)
(Correspondence on Vauxhall headed paper)
Vauxhall Approved Accessories (1973)
(Leaflet for Viva HC and Victor FE accessories)
Vauxhall-Bedford Short Motors
(1968 leaflet for factory-built short engines)
Vauxhall Radios
(Car radios & stereo cassette players in 1973)
Vauxhall Victor FB estate prize
(Win-a-car competition from 1964)
Vauxhall Viva HC Accessories & Firenza Prices
(Two factory leaflets from 1970/1971)
Volkswagen Beetle colours.
(Colour chart for 1961/1962 Beetles)
Volkswagen KDF-Wagen.
(Brochure scan for the 1938 VW Beetle)
Volvo 122S Colours.
(Leaflet from 1961)
Wolseley Viper 6 cyl.
(A big saloon from the 1930s)
Old Garage & Motor Factor billheads, letters, posters and invoices.
Aberdeen Motors Limited
(Motor Engineers, illustrated statement 1927)
A.C. Penman (Queensberry Motor Works)
(Work done on Darracq and Perry cars in 1920)
Adlards Motors Ltd (Allard)
(1943 letter issued by constructor of Allard cars)
A. Humpherson Removals
(1920s letterhead feat. solid-tyred lorry)
A.J. Dew & Co.
(Trade sale of discounted parts in 1922)
A.J. Jones - Castle Cycle & Motor Works
(Illustrated receipt for this motorcycle & bicycle agent)
A.J. White, Automobile Engineer (Bruton)
(1924 letter re cancelled order for a new Rover car)
A.S. Tilley (Garage) Limited
(A job offer letter from 1950)
Albert Schofield (Charabanc)
(Char-a-banc, taxi and motor lorry proprietor 1928)
Aldby Garage (Taxi Propr.)
(Taxi hire in the 1930s)
Astley Brook & Co. Ltd. asbestos garage
(Illustrated letter re ABC Garages from 1935)
Attwood's Garage, Stafford
(Letter re sale of a new Austin 8 Van & K4 Lorry, 1945)
A. & W.C. Henderson engineers
(Invoice for car hire in Rosehearty dating to 1933)
Aylsham Motor Co. (Ford Model T)
(Garage repairs undertaken in 1925)
Barrie's Garage for Lodge Plugs
(An illustrated garage receipt issued in 1937)
Board's Garage
(Relating to the sale of a new Thames 307E van in 1964)
Bournemouth Imperial Motors Ltd
(A receipt for a new Austin 10 saloon bought in May 1946)
Bowring Petroleum Co. Ltd
(Ten cans of motor spirit, purchased in 1919)
Bradley's Whitehouse Motor Service
(Receipts issued by a Standard dealer in the 1950s)
Briggs Garage / Alan Cobham
(A letter from Sir Alan Cobham to Briggs Garage)
Broad's Garage
(An unused letterhead for 1930s lorry & van hire)
C.A. Brown Limited
(Old trucks on a windowcleaner's invoice)
C. Bower of Chesterfield
(Papers, drivers license etc charabanc & limo hire)
Broadway Autos Ltd
(Sale of a Vauxhall Victor in 1959)
Camden Garages
(Repairs to a Cubitt following a road accident, 1920s)
Car Mart Limited
(Literature from 1931 and 1937 relating to the company)
Cass's Motor Mart Ltd
(1936 invoice ref the sale of an 18hp MG)
Cater Motor Company (Henlys)
(Correspondence from 1937 regarding a new Austin)
Central Garage (Brecon) Ltd
(Illustrated letters from 1944 & 1947)
Central Motors (St. Andrews) Limited
(Invoice for work done on an Austin 10 in 1938)
Central Oil Company Limited
(2 illustrated letters sent to a Bovey Tracey garage, 1922)
Clwyd Motor Company
(Invoice for the sale of a Rover motorcar, 1925)
Coles Garage (Somerset.)
(Motor servicing including vulcanisation & welding)
Colmans Garage
(An invoice from 1956 for work done on a Standard car)
County Garage, Taunton
(More work done on the same Standard in 1956)
Crowther & Pickup Ltd (Haulage Contractors)
(An invoice issued by this haulage firm during WW2)
Cyril Morgan Ltd, Caerphilly
(1955 letter ref Ford 103E, Standard 8 & Velocette MAC)
D. Redfearn Ltd
(Receipt for purchase of a new Triumph 2000 in 1973)
Dartmoor Motor Works & Garage
(Charges issued back in July 1921)
David Sloan & Son (Dumfries)
(Work done to a Daimler, Singer & Darracq)
Diary of a country garage
(A workbook for 1932 and 1933)
Dias & Co. (Carlisle)
(1924 sale of a bullnose Morris Cowley)
Donald Denoon Motors (Chelmsford)
(Papers ref the sale of a new Ford 100E in 1961)
Ewen Limited
(Motor & Cycle accessories invoice, dated 1932)
F.G. Smith Motors Ltd
(Automobile Engineers & Agents in Essex)
F.H. Peacock & Co.
(Invoice for work done to a Ford car in 1933)
F.J. Grandin & Co. Ltd.
(Invoice issued by this Morris cars business in Jersey)
F. Taylor Ltd (Salford).
(Work done to a Humber Super Snipe in 1967)
Fields Garages Ltd
(Work done to a vintage Bean motorcar, 1923)
Ford's Garage & Cycle Co.
(Invoice for petrol and deposits on fuel tins, 1919)
Four Lanes Garage.
(Receipt for the purchase of an Austin 10 in 1939)
Frank Ellis (Automobile Engineers).
(Invoice for laying up a car during WW2, in Didsbury)
F.W. Lomas (Hawker motorcycles)
(Letterheading for Swift's Row Garage, 1922)
G.A. Robilliard & Son Ltd
(A kerbside petrol station in Rohais, Guernsey)
Garage Ticket Book
(Pre-war book used to book in cars for work/storage)
G.C. Macandrew & Company
(Car sales, repair & service in Edinburgh)
George Park & Co. Ltd
(Removals by steam lorry, Southsea, 1926)
Glenbrook Garage (Pembs.)
(Automobile & Electrical Engineers in S. Wales)
Godfrey's Ltd (Sunbeam agent)
(Letter relating to a 1935 Sunbeam & Watsonian sidecar)
Gosling's Luxury Coaches
(Coach operator in Lincolnshire)
G.R. Barrett & Son
(Motoragents in Canterbury, 1928)
Gray's Motor Services (vehicle hire)
(Invoice for vehicles hired during May 1934)
H & G Robinson Ltd
(Letter regarding a Packard in 1938)
Harper's Modern Coach Works
(Prices for paintwork - 1920s/1930s)
H.D. Jones - Ivy House Garage
(Invoice from May 1940)
Heath Park Garage (Romford)
(Old purchase receipts from this motor agents)
Hobday Brothers Limited
(Motor & cycle accessory suppliers, 1927)
Hopkins Garage
(Standard-Triumph agent in Bideford, Devon, 1968)
J. Goddard & Son, 1935
(1930s invoice for Daimler limo hire)
J.J. Greenfield (Vauxhall), 1940
(Dynamo repair work in Newcastle Upon Tyne)
James Hodgson (Bean & Ford cars)
(Letter from this Carlisle motor engineer in 1928)
James Strick & Sons, 1936
(1930s invoice illustrated with '20s lorries)
John Bragg & Son Haulage, 1925
(1920s invoice for this haulage & char-a-banc operator)
John Dowley & Son, Astley, Salop
(Receipt for a repaired axle in 1941)
John Goodall & Co., 1941
(Work done to an RAF officer's Austin 10/4)
Jones' Garage, 1938
(Invoice from automobile engineers in Somerset)
Jos. May Removals Company lorry, 1928
(Original headed letter featuring ex-WW1 removals van)
Kings of Oxford (Austin)
(Correspondence from the Austin garage to a customer)
KLM Motors Ltd
(Wartime letter dating to August 1940)
Le Lacheur's Garage (Guernsey)
(Illustrated statement from 1938)
Manor Motor Company Ltd
(Invoice for a 15.7hp Crossley motor-car)
The Maple Leaf Garage (Clifton)
(Correspondence re Morris & Singer saloons)
Martin Winser Limited
(Pre-war statement issued by this garage, 1928)
Mears Garage
(Record of a new Morris 1300 Traveller sold in 1969)
M.H. Tilley & Son Motor & Cycle Engineers
(An invoice from 1913 detailing work done to a Rover)
Moir & Davie Motor Engineers
(A '30s invoice for new 6v batteries and re-charging)
Moore's Presto Motor Works Ltd
(Sale of a new Austin 12 Clifton touring car in 1928)
Moortown Motors Ltd
(Invoices & letters relating to this VW & Porsche garage)
Motor

[IMG: Leave the toy car section and go to the oldclassiccar homepage]

[IMG: toys and models section]
[IMG: Talk about vintage motoring here]
[IMG: old toy cars top image]
[H1] Vintage toy cars
The popular hobby of collecting old toys shows no sign of abating, whether it's collectors looking for toys they remember from their youth, or younger collectors hunting down rare items from an era that pre-dates themselves but is of interest.
Any branch of collecting contains many sub-categories within it. Postcard collectors may search for subjects relating to a particular period, or subject matter. Enthusiasts that collect vinyl discs will probably focus their collecting habit on one particular type of record, perhaps old 78s or more recent 33s, and the field of toy collecting is no different. For every type of toy there will be someone somewhere keenly looking for the next piece to add to their own collection, whether it be Barbie dolls or Action Man / GI Joe figures. And exactly the same lines are drawn across the toy car collecting world. Most diehard car collectors try and restrict their search to a particular type of toy car (diecast, tinplate, plastic or remote control for instance), or subject (eg ambulance, racing car, police car, fire engines etc) or maybe all models produced by a certain company, such as Dinky, Corgi, Schuco or Matchbox.
If you have very deep pockets then this kind of focus becomes less of an issue, but with the values of rarer toys going through the stratosphere, it is often the only realistic way to build a collection by focusing on one particular make or genre.
[IMG: tinplate recovery truck - make unknown]
In this section of oldclassiccar I plan to feature photographs and information on a wide variety of toy types, some dating to recent times (eg 1970s and 1980s), and older examples dating right back to the 1920s and before.
If you have photographs of older models or toys that don't yet feature on these pages, by all means email them over and I'll feature them here, ideally with a few words about the toy and who made it. For now I'm focusing on examples built years ago, rather than modern reproductions or re-issues.
You can email me via the contact page on the main Old Classic Car website. If you are interested in all things vintage and classic motoring related, please have a look around the oldclassiccar site before you leave.
[H2] Powered model cars
Older children and adults, who perhaps felt that they'd outgrown small toy cars, may well have looked to tether racing for their next hobby. Home-builders would construct amazing scale model racing cars, often from scratch, powered by small diesel engines and go racing with them. Some years ago I found an example built in the late 1940s, or early 1950s, based on plans found in a contemporary model-builders book. That car is described below.
[IMG: Homebuilt tether racing car]
A home-built tether racing car, powered by a Mills diesel engine, as described in "Model Car Manual" of 1949.
Tether racing car from the 1940s
[H2] Toy and model-building magazines
Alongside production of some great toys and models, there used to be some fascinating model-making magazines on the market that are also well worth hunting down now, some of which will feature here.
[IMG: Hobbies Weekly magazine]
Post-war issues of Hobbies Weekly, a model-maker's publication with designs for ride-on cars, garages, and even a flying car.
Read more...
[IMG: Meccano magazine]
A look back at classic Meccano Magazines from the 1950s.
Read more...
[IMG: Model Cars magazine]
Read about the Model Cars magazine from 1965
Read more...
[H2] Other motoring-related toys
[IMG: The Tri-ang Car-Car]
A neat ride-on toy car produced by Tri-ang and called the 'Car-Car'
Read more about the Car-Car
[IMG: Cheetah Cub child]
A super petrol-engined child's racing car, based on the Jaguar D-Type, called the Cheetah Cub.
Read about the Cheetah Cub racing car
Old Classic Car home
[H2] Toy Cars

Buying old toys
Types of toy car
Diecast toys
Tinplate toys
Plastic toy cars
Games, puzzles etc
Pedal cars
Sonic-controlled
Toy & collectables forum
Vintage toy classifieds

[IMG: Dinky shop sign]

Dinky Toys

Alfa Romeo 23F
Aston Martin DB3S
Auto Union
Bristol 450
Connaught Type B
Cooper Bristol 233
Cunningham C-5R
Ferrari 234
Hotchkiss
HWM 23J
Jaguar D-Type
Maserati 23N
Mercedes GP cars
Mercedes streamlined car
MG Record Car
Racer 35B / Midget Racer
Speed of the Wind
Streamlined racers
Talbot Lago 230
Vanwall 239

Crescent Toys

Aston Martin DB3S
BRM V16
Connaught 2litre A6
Cooper Bristol 2 Litre
Ferrari GP 2.5 Litre
Gordini GP 2.5 Litre
Jaguar D Type
Maserati GP (250F)
Mercedes 2.5 G/Prix
Vanwall GP car
External Toy Links

Marx Toy museum
Brighton Toy Museum
Restoration of old toys
Matchbox car memories
[IMG: A Schuco tinplate Mercedes toy racing car]

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Old Classic Car (C) R. Jones 2026. Content not to be reproduced elsewhere.
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See Homepage.
This page: Details of companies that sold tuning parts in the fifties and sixties
[IMG: Nordec Superchargers]
[IMG: Austin A35 hotly pursed by a Riley Pathfinder]
[H1] Period tuning and car performance upgrades
[H2] A look at companies that sold parts to make your car go quicker
During the 1950s, interest in tuning and upgrading standard road cars really took off. It was around this time that the craze for building sporty specials, using saloon car underpinnings wrapped up within a shapely fibreglass or alloy body, increased in popularity. People had been building specials for a
long time of course, with many being used in competition prior to WW2, but it was in the 50s that tuning, modifying and building your own car became a popular pastime, and not just the preserve of eccentric engineers in their sheds.
All manner of bolt-on goodies were now available, transforming the mediocre performance of many humdrum saloons into something altogether more sparkling. Some were simple bolt on upgrades, and others much more in-depth and requiring a deep knowledge of mechanical issues, and even deeper pockets.
One of the most tuned engines, certainly in the 50s at least, was the humble sidevalve Ford engine. All iron, and with no pretensions of glamour or grunt, this solid old plodder at first wouldn't seem an obvious choice for tuning. However as the interest in Ford-based specials took off, demand for parts to liven-up the Ford engine followed. Many companies waded in with performance upgrades. Some worked well, others less so.
[IMG: Speedwell tuning parts]
Engine & Performance mods:
Aquaplane BMC A Series
Bowden Austin 7 / Ford E93A conv.
Bowden Austin 7 Hydraulic brakes
Bowden Austin 7 - Ind. Suspension
Cambridge Engineering (Austin 7)
Halifax tubular chassis (Ford/Morris)
Marshall-Nordec Superchargers
Nordec Superchargers Austin A35
Quinton Hazell big bore silencers
Race Proved Mk1 Escort GTs
SAH Triumphtune TR2-TR4 parts
Speedex Austin 7 Body & Tuning
Speedwell Austin A40
Speedwell Austin A55, 15/60 etc.
Speedwell Camber Compensator
Speedwell Engine Conversions
Speedwell Exhaust Systems
Speedwell Suspension Conversion
Stromberg CD carburettors (Ford)
Stromberg CD carburettors (Mini)
Super Accessories Austin 7
Willment Powermaster conversion
Also see on oldclassiccar:
Austin 7 spare parts page.
Ford 1172 Specials.
History of Speedwell Sprite 505 BZ.
Terrapin '60s homebuilt racer.
WSM Austin-Healey Sprites.
Well-known purveyors of tuning parts for sidevalve Fords included Aquaplane and LMB (Ballamy). They could sell you tasty aluminium 'cylinder heads', oil coolers, tubular exhausts and twin carb setups. Ballamy concentrated on handling kits for the wobbly upright sidevalve, and offered trick split independent front axle set ups, wheels, and other add-ons.
Wooller would sell you remoted gearshifts, and companies such as Lucas would happily supply you with all the auxiliary lamps, switches, gauges, and other essential upgrades for the motorist who wanted to liven up his existing car, without the expense of buying an expensive performance car.
Interest in tuning carried on through the 1960s, with the emphasis shifting towards more contemporary motorcars. By the early/mid 1960s the craze for building Pop-based sportscars was waning, and interests switched to making newer saloons go quicker. Spurred on by competition success by the BMC Works drivers, many drivers chose to pep up their roadgoing Minis with big bore exhausts, big valve heads, lightweight alloy wheels (Minilite being an example), bucket seats, bolt on lamps and sporty steering wheels all being available. Speedwell were one of the key players when it came to making BMC products go quicker, although there were other outfits equally adept at making bog standard road cars fly - Downton springs to mind as one.
In this section of oldclassiccar I plan to feature some of the tuning parts that were available to drivers 40/50 years ago.
If you have something suitable that would be of interest to include here, for instance an illustrated delivery note like the Aquaplane one shown below, please get in touch via the contact page.
[IMG: Aquaplane tuning parts]
[H2] Morris Minor MM with Alta OHV conversion.
In the following short video, I take a quick look at a very rare 1953 Morris Minor MM that has a period ALTA overhead valve (OHV) engine conversion, paired with twin SU carburettors. The video also features a tired Minor 1000 "at rest"
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Old Classic Car (C) R. Jones 2026. Content not to be reproduced elsewhere.
Website by ableweb.
Privacy Policy, Cookies & Disclaimers