Aspects of Motoring History 16

Author: Edited by Craig Horner
Publisher: Society of Automotive Historians in Britain

The Michael Sedgwick Memorial Trust has supported the sixteenth edition of 'Aspects of Motoring History' (commonly referred to as 'Aspects'), published by the Society of Automotive Historians in Britain ('SAHB'). This 'Aspects' is the tenth edition of this annual publication to be supported by the Michael Sedgwick Memorial Trust. It is free to full-members of the SAHB and a limited number of copies are available directly from the SAHB at Aspects | (thesahb.com).

'Aspects', as its name suggests, comprises a selection of articles written by SAHB members (and others) on a variety of aspects of motoring history which do not in themselves merit a book but are worthy of recording and of interest to motoring historians everywhere. Issue 16, edited by Dr Craig Horner, features:

  • Citroen before Citroen by Malcolm Bobbitt
  • At the Epicentre of a Perfect Storm on the Mersey by Michael Grumett
  • Thomas E. Birch of Heavily, Stockport by Sue Bailey
  • The M.G. Car Company and The M.G. Car Company Limited by Peter Seymour
  • The Wonder Book of Motors by John Humphreys and John Warburton
  • Joseph Lucas Ltd: their first acetylene-gas motor-car lamp by Peter W. Card
  • Ninian Sanderson: photo essay by Guy Loveridge
  • Deep Sanderson: photo essay by Guy Loveridge
  • In addition there are supplementary notes on articles in previous editions of 'Aspects' as well as Craig's thoughtful editorial.

The editors of 'Aspects', both Craig and his predecessor, Malcolm Jeal have been able to assemble a smorgasbord of motoring subjects from the articles submitted. This issue is no exception, starting with Malcolm Bobbitt, author of books on the 2CV, DS and other postwar Citroens, on the early life of the company's eponymous founder up until the first cars rolled out of the factory in 1919. In a more recent account of motor manufacturing, Michael Grumett recounts his first hand account of being Motor Industry correspondent for a Liverpool daily newspaper at the time Michael Edwardes was reorganising British Leyland and had his sights on the TR7 plant at Speke.

Thomas E. Birch were Automobile Engineers, Body Builders, Hood Manufacturers and Coach Painters. Compared to the extensive writings on the subject of Motor Manufacturers, few chronicles of local garages and distributors have been published. Although just a few photographs and documents that have turned up in this case, it reminds us that there are many untold stories of these concerns out there, such as those in Wiltshire covered by Malcolm Jeal in 'Aspects' 8 and Max Hebditch's account of his family's business in 'Aspects' 14.

Whilst much has been written about MG cars, Peter Seymour takes as his subject the corporate structures and refinancings surrounding the evolution of Morris Garages Limited into a component of the Nuffield Group. Whilst touched upon in some histories, this article expands on the subject to give a full account of the legal machinations behind the cars.

The Wonder Book of Motors ran to 7 editions between 1926 and 1955 which John Humphreys and the late John Warburton explore as the illustrations and articles reflect the progress of the motor industry. This sort of book inspired many to become involved not just as motorists but in the industry itself so it is amusing to reflect on the influence a particularly evocative line or illustration may have had.

Peter Card is the chairman of the MSMT and author of a book, amongst others, on early vehicle lighting. Here he focuses on a single manufacturer, Joseph Lucas Ltd and chronicles the development of their early acetylene-gas powered lines.

Guy Loveridge has two articles on Sandersons that, despite the common name have no connection other than motor racing, Le Mans, and the use of that name. Ninian Sanderson was a near contemporary of Stirling Moss and had the distinction of winning at Le Mans in 1956. The Deep Sanderson was the creation of Chris Lawrence, well known for his tuning exploits with Morgan, culminating in the class win of the works-entered Morgan Plus 4 at Le Mans which he co-drove and the Super Sports model, each one of which passed through his workshop in the 1960s. His full exploits through the development of the Monica car and the Morgan Aero 8 introduced in 2000 can be found in his autobiography 'Morgan Maverick' which is still available from Douglas Loveridge Publications - for contact details see our publishers link above.

Published 2020

Price: £12.50

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