SPEED QUEENS: A Secret History of Women in Motorsport

By Rachel Harris-Gardiner 2024 review by James Loveridge To the casual observer it may seem the motorsport is essentially...

From Ballybannon Hill to Magilligan Strand

By Paul Robinson 2024 review by James Loveridge One of the problems with history is that while it is...

Aspects of Motoring History # 19

Published August 2023. 132 pages, 60 black & white illustrations and charts and 26 full-colour images, softbound. Articles: Paul...

Aspects of Motoring History # 18

Published July 2022. 126 pages, 92 black & white illustrations and charts and 24 full-colour images, softbound. Articles: Craig...

News

If you have any interesting news or bulletins, particularly motoring information, which you would like to share with the membership, please go to the contact button. Please enter your name, address and details of your ‘News’, preferably ‘ready to read’, to our secretary who will then send it on the Web Master for a read-through and subsequent publishing below.

Invicta NLC: a mystery solved

Snapshot 451 on the 1930 Invicta NLC left us with a mystery: what on earth does NLC stand for? Initial…

FERRARI

A film by Michael Mann A review by Autolycus This website does not have a section for film reviews, but…

Better late than never – photos from the Classic Motor Show 2023

Our apologies; we are only now posting Peter McFadyen’s wonderful photos from the 2023 Classic Motor Show at the NEC,…

A generous donation

A 1937 Austin Ruby arrived on 25 October 2023 to reside at the Richard Roberts Archive. It is the very…

Salon Privé Concours d’Élégance, 30 August 2023

Now in its 18th year, the Salon Privé concours occupies the exclusive first two days of a four-day event held…

VSCC Prescott Hill Climb 2023 – Some remarkable cars

On Saturday and Sunday 5th and 6th August 2023 the SAHB was back at Prescott. Together with our good friends…

A VW Camper Van from Brazil

The venerable Volkswagen Type 2 Combi was built in two main forms: Splitties (1950 to 1967) and Bay Windows (1967-1979)…

Stanley: “Docked: er, Living Steam, I presume”: a 1919 735B model

(Sorry about the terrible pun). All sorts of fascinating cars turn up in the UK, even those from faraway lands….

An Italian Interlude

It was a Great Rail journey to Lake Garda – so motor cars were not greatly expected. But over twelve…

INVITING YOUR NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2023 MALCOLM JEAL AND MICHAEL SEDGWICK AWARDS

It’s that time of the year again! We are now inviting nominations for the SAHB’s two annual awards – the…

A NEW SELF-PUBLISHING WORKSHOP FROM THE MSMT

It is now seven years since the last MSMT conference, How to Publish Motoring History. Since then, the book market…

A Rothwell with a distinguished owner

Peter Williams has contacted us after reading our Snapshot 230 on the 1911 20hp Rothwell. He has kindly sent us…

TECHNICAL TALK 15: The Oerlikon Electrogyro

Introduction Storing energy in motorised road vehicles has exercised the minds of engineers since the dawn of such transport. Petrol…

The Motorcycle Tours of Prince Albert I of Monaco

In December 2021 we posted a request for help from Michaël Bloche, Directeur de la Mission de Préfiguration des Archive…

News from 125 years ago, 1898 – an extract from The Autocar

This extract is in fact from the 9 February 1923 issue of The Autocar – looking back 25 years to…

Bonhams – The Bond Street Sale 16 December 2022

We were privileged to be able to attend this sale just before Christmas. The venue – the Bonhams premises in…

A request for information

Has anybody heard of Hugh Young in the context of old-car originality? James Loveridge’s recent review of Paul Griffin’s book…

A stylish American design from Kustomrama

This was our favourite of all the rod and custom cars, real or merely drawn as concepts, in the latest…

A Christmas present? The Automobile Handbook and Guide

We are offering the last few copies of The Automobile Handbook and Guide at a special price of £20 including postage…

A TRIO OF TRACTORS

On a recent sunny Sunday in autumn these three tractors were spotted alongside the Macclesfield Canal. The blue one is…

The 2022 winners of the Michael Sedgwick and Malcolm Jeal Awards

We were delighted to make these two awards at the SAHB Autumn Seminar on 2 October 2022: the Michael Sedgwick…

From Abbey to Abbott and from 15 million to one-offs – the 2022 Autumn Seminar weekend

The SAHB Autumn Seminar was at a new venue this year: Towcester Racecourse. Attendance was good, with 50 delegates. In…

An auction of the ‘Dave Fitton’ Transport Photograph Archive – 14 December 2022

Transport Collector Auctions, in partnership with Jones & Jacob, will be selling the ‘David Fitton’ Transport Photograph Archive on 14…

VSCC Prescott Hill Climb 2022 – Part Three: The Post-War Cars

Welcome to Part Three: the final part of our report on VSCC Prescott on 6th and 7th August. In Part…

A Snapshot updated – a 1933 Riley Gamecock as it is today

Bob Thomas has contacted us with a remarkable update on Snapshot 236 that featured on old photo of 1933 Riley…

VSCC Prescott Hill Climb 2022 – Part Two: The Pre-War Cars

Welcome to Part Two of our report on VSCC Prescott on 6th and 7th August. In Part One we looked…

VSCC Prescott Hill Climb 2022 – Part One: The Racers

On Saturday and Sunday 6th and 7th August the SAHB was back at Prescott. Together with our good friends the…

TECHNICAL TALK 14: The Ford Model T

Introduction The Model T Ford is rightly celebrated as the first affordable motor car and, from 1913, an example of…

Can you identify this car?

John French has sent us this photograph that he took around 1953 to 1957 at a driving test on ex-RAF…

Wraith, Whisper and Woody – the RREC Annual Rally 2022

For understandable reasons it has been three years since the RREC last held its Annual Rally at Burghley House. But…

Vintage Revival Montlhéry 2022 – Part Four: the Big Stuff

Welcome to Part Four – the final part of our report on Vintage Revival Montlhéry, held on 7 and 8…

Vintage Revival Montlhéry 2022 – Part Three: Motorcycles

Welcome to Part Three of our report on Vintage Revival Montlhéry, held on 7 and 8 May. In Part One…

TECHNICAL TALK 13: The 11.9 H.P. Phoenix

Introduction The Phoenix name for this make of car has a curious origin. Belgian-born J. Van Hooydonk started his working…

Vintage Revival Montlhéry 2022 – Part Two: Chains and Belts

Welcome to Part Two of our report on Vintage Revival Montlhéry, held on 7 and 8 May. In Part One…

INVITING YOUR NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2022 MALCOLM JEAL AND MICHAEL SEDGWICK AWARDS

It’s that time of the year again! We are now inviting nominations for the SAHB’s two annual awards – the…

Vintage Revival Montlhéry 2022 – Part One: The Voiturettes

On Saturday and Sunday 7 and 8 May we were at the sixth Vintage Revival at Montlhéry. This famous circuit…

A 1922 Model T Ford with a mystery body – much more information

We received a superbly comprehensive response from David Grimstead to the mystery that we posted a few weeks ago as…

RARE & UNIQUE VEHICLES – a quarterly of rare and unique quality

SAHB member Pal Negyesi has been publishing his excellent quarterly magazine “Rare & Unique Vehicles” since early in 2021. Now…

News from 50 years ago, 1972 – the Beetle overtakes the Tin Lizzie at last

This fourth news item in our series ‘News from Years Ago’ was published in the 9 March 1972 issue of…

THE AUSTIN TWELVE IS 100 YEARS OLD – COME AND HELP THE VINTAGE AUSTIN REGISTER CELEBRATE!

The Vintage Austin Register is pleased to announce that a rally of vintage cars will take place on 12th June…

EV sustainability

Whether we like it or not, the Electric Vehicle is upon us. The world of the motor car is changing…

A 1922 Model T Ford with a mystery body

John French of the Manchester Historic Vehicle Club has kindly sent us this photograph of a 1922 Ford Model T…

The Motorcycle Tours of Prince Albert I of Monaco – A request for help

We are honoured to have been contacted by Michaël Bloche, Directeur de la Mission de Préfiguration des Archive Nationales (Director…

News from 75 years ago, 1946 – The 50th Anniversary London to Brighton Run

This third news item in our series ‘News from Years Ago’ was published in the December 1946 issue of Motor…

A mystery solved

Back in 2015, the late great Malcolm Jeal wrote Snapshot No. 10: Webb’s garage 1913/14 (which you can still see…

TECHNICAL TALK 12: Facel-Métallon Bodywork

Introduction The Facel name is best known now for the construction of the Facel-Véga car from 1954 until the mid-1960s,…

The 2021 winners of the Michael Sedgwick and Malcolm Jeal Awards

We were delighted to make these two awards at the SAHB Autumn Seminar on Sunday last, 10 October 2021: the…

An auction of the Tim Harding Collection of Motoring Photographs – 27 October 2021

The Tim Harding Collection of Motoring Photographs represents a most important collection of photographs which is probably unequalled anywhere in…

News from 100 years ago, 1921 – Aero Engines in Road Vehicles

This second news item in our series ‘News from Years Ago’ was published in the 13 August 1921 issue of…

VSCC Prescott Hill Climb 2021 – Part Three: The Post-War Cars

Welcome to Part Three: the final part of our report on VSCC Prescott on 7th and 8th August. In Part…

TECHNICAL TALK 11: The Mack Bus

Introduction Our recent Snapshot number 331 shows, in the words of its makers Mack, ‘America’s first gasoline driven motor bus’…

VSCC Prescott Hill Climb 2021 – Part Two: The Pre-War Cars

Welcome to Part Two of our report on VSCC Prescott on 7th and 8th August. In Part One we looked…

VSCC Prescott Hill Climb 2021 – Part One: The Racers

On Saturday and Sunday 7th and 8th August the SAHB was back at Prescott after a year’s gap (for one…

News from 125 years ago, 1896 – Charles Rolls in his Peugeot Phaeton

This is the first in a series we are calling ‘News from Years Ago’ – and we start here with…

FORMULA JUNIOR: MADE IN ITALY

We are delighted to announce the publication of a new book from Alessandro Silva, a good friend of the SAHB…

INVITING YOUR NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2021 MALCOLM JEAL AND MICHAEL SEDGWICK AWARDS

It’s that time of the year again! We are now inviting nominations for the SAHB’s two annual awards – the…

TECHNICAL TALK 10: The Fiat Mirafiori factory in 1950

Introduction The Mirafiori factory in Turin was at one time the largest industrial complex in Italy. It is also one…

The National Motor Museum Trust marks the 60th anniversary of its Reference Library

The National Motor Museum Trust is celebrating 60 years of its Reference Library with an online commemoration from 28 April,…

Prince Philip and his cars

Reminiscences from Anders Ditlev Clausager On the death of HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh, apart from commemorating all…

Another mystery car – can you help?

Richard Bossons is asking for help in identifying this 1920s car. He is researching Dziga Vertov’s 1929 Soviet masterpiece Man with…

THE EMERGENCE OF BICYCLING AND AUTOMOBILITY IN BRITAIN

We are delighted to announce the publication of a new book from Craig Horner – SAHB Limited board member and…

TECHNICAL TALK 9: The Autocar Commercial Delivery Vehicle

Introduction The wonderful thing about catalogues of commercial vehicles is that they are promoting the machine to hard-headed business owners…

Can you identify this car?

James Loveridge is asking for help in identifying this car. He can identify the lady: it is his mum, on…

Michael Worthington-Williams MBE (1938-2021)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Worthington-Williams, our much-loved and respected founder and honorary…

TECHNICAL TALK 8: The Chrysler Hemi

Technical Talk 7 showed how BMW, with limited funds, achieved a hemispherical combustion chamber and overhead valves in a V…

A Swiss Sunbeam 3-litre “Twin Cam” Super Sports

SAHB member Paolo Luisoni has sent us these tremendously evocative pictures of his car. The Sunbeam 3-litre Super Sports –…

MAKING A MARQUE – a major new book on Rolls-Royce

We are delighted to announce the publication of Making a Marque – Rolls-Royce Motor Car Promotion 1904-1940. The authors are…

THE 2020 WINNERS OF THE MICHAEL SEDGWICK AND MALCOLM JEAL AWARDS

We are delighted to announce the winners of the SAHB’s two awards: the Michael Sedgwick Award for the best book…

The Gatso ‘Platje’ and Kwik – some great pictures

Following Snapshot 292 on the 1948 Gatso Aero Coupé, we have been contacted by Willem Alink about the Gatso ‘Platje’…

TECHNICAL TALK 7: The Bristol 401 chassis

Introduction By the time of the demise of Bristol Cars in 2011, the Blenheim was considered to be rather out…

Passe-Partout in England – a family story, and more information

Following our Snapshot 286 on the 1907 Passe-Partout, we were contacted by Roger Fildes.  His ancestors ran the company that…

Two Stirling Moss events

Author Vic Quayle has sent us two important news announcements with a Stirling Moss connection. The first is about Vic’s…

TECHNICAL TALK 6: Alternative fuels in Switzerland, 1943, Part 2: Producer gas

Introduction Part One of our article (Technical Talk 4) on alternative fuels in Switzerland during World War II was on…

A new quarterly motoring history magazine

A new magazine is about to be launched.  It is the initiative of a good friend of the SAHB, Dr…

A Detailed History of the Straight-Eight Automobile Engine – and a novel format

We are delighted to announce a major work by motoring history enthusiast Stephen Moore.  As you can see, it is…

TECHNICAL TALK 5: Small racing cars in 1939

The cutaway drawings in the motoring magazines during the 1930s were always delightful – but they seldom extended to explanations…

A new book on private book publishing

The Michael Sedgwick Memorial Trust is a powerful supporter of authors wishing to publish books on British motoring history.  They…

A mystery solved – about an Amilcar from our Sliders

Back in 2017 we posted a Slider of Ian Bingham’s 1928 G-Type Amilcar, taken on 2 July of that year…

An important two-day auction of Automobilia – 17 and 18 November 2020 – and a mystery car identified

Peter Card, doyen of the SAHB and well-known as an auctioneer of fine examples of automobilia, has sent us details…

TECHNICAL TALK 4: Alternative fuels in Switzerland, 1943, Part 1: Acetylene

Wartime developments Switzerland has always depended upon imported fuel, and the outbreak of World War II forced it to consider…

A Triumph Dolomite restored

Back in May 2018 we visited the collection of John and Mandy Mould to see their Triumph Roadster, Jaguar XK120…

The answer to the quiz: BMC assembly plant at Blackheath in South Africa

Anders Clausager has given us the answers to the quiz.  The picture was kindly lent to us by Austin-Healey historian…

Still enjoying our cars – version two!

Not to be outdone by Peter Card’s video below, Guy Loveridge has sent us his video from his recent event,…

News from November 1902 – A Scottish Automobile Club Run

The main picture here is from a report in November 1902 of a late October run by the Eastern Section…

Still enjoying our cars

Peter Card has sent us  a video from his regular annual Budd’s Farm Vintage Picnic.  It shows that the pandemic…

TECHNICAL TALK 3: 1929 Junkers diesel engine for cars

The origins of the opposed-piston two-stroke engine can be traced back to 1898, when an Oechelhäuser gas-powered engine of this…

A naval officer’s Benz

This early picture came to us with a request for identification, via SAHB member Oliver Heal, from a neighbour of…

TECHNICAL TALK 2: a clutch means so much

This is not overly technical – but we couldn’t resist the advertisement.  It appeared in the August 1937 issue of…

Can you identify the car in this picture?

Len Huff is researching the history of Abbott and Page & Hunt in Farnham.  This has led him to a…

Converting cars to ambulances in Manchester – ca. 1940

The Greater Manchester Transport Society have kindly given us permission to show these three pictures from the GMTS Collection. They…

A mystery car identified – 1934 Zündapp prototype

Anders Ditlev Clausager has put us out of our misery and has given us all the information he has on…

Can you identify the date and the people in this picture?

Another picture unearthed by SAHB chairman Barry Blight.  he would be most grateful for any information on it – in…

TECHNICAL TALK 1: 1914 Le Gui transmission

The search for silence in early motor cars was not just a battle against noise; motor engineers understood that noise…

Can you tell us about the history of this building?

Our chairman Barry Blight has unearthed this postcard, and would be very grateful for any information on the building.  It…

INVITING YOUR NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2020 MALCOLM JEAL AND MICHAEL SEDGWICK AWARDS

It’s that time of the year again! We are now inviting nominations for the SAHB’s two annual awards – the…

HELP WANTED – DURANT IN THE UK

SAHB member James Loveridge is looking for information from all you knowledgeable people out there. James writes: “Can anyone give…

A mystery car identified – the 1937 FWC prototype

Thank you, Scott Barrett of The Automobile, for identifying this mystery car for us. Scott’s comment is shown below, but…

Apart – what does it mean? (a topical contribution from Chris Dowlen)

We’re into social distancing at the moment. This means that we are supposed to keep at least 2 metres apart….

Hans Landstad and the Hafner family

Phillip Hafner contacted us and asked whether we could identify some cars in pictures from his family album. He also…

The World’s cleanest Morris Minor engine bay?

Just before lockdown, on 19 March, we were already social distancing when we met Stephen Ellis with his gorgeous Morris…

The Aerospace Archive Initiative – a presentation from Mike Rogers

Mike was going to give this presentation at our Spring Seminar.  He has kindly let us have it for you…

A Daley in Denmark – can anybody help with information?

Lars Legaard in Denmark is looking for help with the history of a very rare car that he has just…

How I will always remember Sir Stirling….

A personal tribute from SAHB Deputy Chairman Guy Loveridge. Title picture: Stirling with Bob Said at Silverstone in 1953. From…

Two More Special Offers from the SAHB – “deux livres sur Citroën” (in English!)

Here’s another pair of offers for these strange times when you might want a good book to read.  They are…

A Napier with a history

Brothers John and Clive Boothman are Napier people, and they have responded to the recent Slider and posts on Napiers…

AN APPEAL FOR INFORMATION FROM BILL MUNRO FOR HIS CARBODIES 2nd EDITION

SAHB member Bill Munro has sent us this appeal for information – to help him to make his update of…

A GREAT BOOK AT A GREAT PRICE – a special offer from the SAHB

To help to get you through these unprecedented times, our Deputy Chairman Guy Loveridge has generously offered Gullibles’s Travels, the…

Can you identify this car?

Len Huff (a true enthusiast for the coachbuilders Abbott of Farnham) has sent us this delightful picture of a 1920s…

19th April 2020 SAHB Spring Seminar postponed until October

With much regret but with due regard to the safety of everyone, we have postponed our planned Spring Seminar to…

The missing Napier – or History can be Bunk

If you are going to write about old cars, beware of errors.  The Slider of four Napier cars that you…

Rétromobile 2020: From Facel Finds to Electric Drives – and a French Hero

Report by Paul Nieuwenhuis For many years I had been planning to visit the Salon Rétromobile in Paris, but as…

The Automotive Historians’ Dinner 2020 in Paris – Good food, stunning venue, well-deserved awards

Notes on the awards by Kit Foster.  Photos by Michael Edwards. The 25th Automotive Historians’ European Dinner in Paris was…

Edward John Warburton (1941 – 2020)

It is with deep sadness that we record the passing of John Warburton. We are grateful to David Hales who…

A EUROPEAN JOURNEY

Thanks to Martin Wright, we have a fascinating story to tell of a European tour taken by one of his…

A book launch invitation: THE CHESHIRE MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS, 1904-07

We are delighted to publicise a book launch by Dr Craig Horner, distinguished member of the SAHB committee and editor…

A visit to the Real Car Company

Having met the good folk of The Real Car Company at their stand at the RREC Annual Rally at Burghley…

The Vieo resilient wheel – much more information

Snapshot 241 on the Vieo resilient wheel elicited a very comprehensive response from our good friend Ariejan Bos – always…

The 2019 winners of the Michael Sedgwick and Malcolm Jeal Awards

We were delighted to make these two awards at the SAHB Autumn Seminar on Sunday last, 27th October 2019: the…

A Pretty Prewar Peugeot

You walk along the road and don’t expect to see anything very interesting.  Then you alight on this little masterpiece. …

A transport museum in Anglesey

On the beautiful island of Anglesey is a magical transport museum with the exotic Welsh name of Tacla Taid.  We…

Isuzu and Hillman – a little-known story?

We have just found some information about Isuzu and its connection with Hillman in the years between 1953 and 1964,…

VSCC Prescott Hill Climb 2019 – Part Three: The Post-War Cars

Welcome to Part Three: the final part of our report on VSCC Prescott on 3rd and 4th August. In Part…

Stolen – a much-loved Daimler V8-250

We are posting this request to look out for a beautiful Daimler V8-250 that was stolen early in the morning…

VSCC Prescott Hill Climb 2019 – Part Two: The Pre-War Cars

Welcome to Part Two of our report on VSCC Prescott on 3rd and 4th August. In Part One we looked…

Budds Farm Vintage Picnic – 28th July 2019

We are indebted to Stefan Marjoram (see his website: stefanmarjoram.com) for his permission to use his always excellent photographs taken…

A Grand Tour in Herefordshire

You arrive at the pub and there’s a very fine car in the car park, but nobody about.  You come…

Royces, R-Types and Refreshments – the RREC Annual Rally 2019

At last the sun came out – and in fine style.  The Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club Annual Rally on 21st to…

INVITING YOUR NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2019 MALCOLM JEAL AND MICHAEL SEDGWICK AWARDS

It’s that time of the year again! We are now inviting nominations for the SAHB’s two annual awards – the…

Can you identify this car?

SAHB committee member Craig Horner has sent us this picture with a request for an identification of the car.  The…

Announcing a new book

We are pleased to announce the publication of a new book on Gloucestershire motor registrations covering the period before the…

The de la Besse Motor Sleigh – the source car identified

Our good friend Ariejan Bos, ace identifier of early cars, has made a positive identification of the origins of the…

Cool cars in West Sussex – The Horsham District Tour 2019

A friend of the SAHB, knowing of our love of old cars of all ages, has just sent us a…

A new Motoring History Society in France

We are delighted to announce the founding of a new motoring history society in France: Patrimoine et Histoire de l’Automobile…

Rétromobile 2019: Bikes, Bédélias and Birthdays – and a gigantic truck

Rétromobile (6th to 10th February this year) always comes up with the finest exhibitions with the most fascinating themes –…

An American Journey – Part Five: The Hershey Fall Meet

And so, finally, on our American Journey, we reached the Hershey Fall Meet – a magnificent mix of the most…

An announcement from Automotive Historians Australia

Automotive Historians Australia have just sent us their online newsletter for February 2019, and they tell us of a number…

An American Journey – Part Four: The Rolls-Royce Foundation

After our visit to the AACA Library and Research Center in Hershey, we moved on the following day to the…

The Honda Oval Piston

The Honda Akademie in Erlensee, not far from Frankfurt, is full of Honda engines – car, motorcycle, outboard and power…

An American Journey – Part Three: The build-up to the Hershey Fall Meet

And finally to the main target of our American journey: Hershey.  Home of the Antique Automobile Club of America Eastern…

The Classic Motor Show 2018

Anders Ditlev Clausager, our esteemed SAHB Secretary, visited the Classic Motor Show this year.  Held at the NEC near Birmingham…

An American Journey – Part Two: Cooper Technica

David Cooper runs a restoration business in the quiet town of Bristol, Wisconsin, not very far north of Chicago.  David…

London Motor Week

The week before the London-to-Brighton Veteran Car Run is now firmly established as London Motor Week. During this week, the…

The 2018 winners of the Malcolm Jeal and Michael Sedgwick Awards

This year for the first time, the Michael Sedgwick Award for the best book on British motoring written in the…

An update: American vehicles identified

Thanks to our good friend Kit Foster, member of the American SAH and honorary member of the SAHB, and thanks…

An American Journey – Part One: The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum

Travelling west along the Interstate 20 through Indiana, there is a choice.  Go to South Bend, for all things Studebaker,…

“NyLon” Citroën H Vans – the beginning and end of a journey

The SAHB website has been on its travels: two weeks during October that took in New York, Auburn IN, Chicago,…

Can you identify these vehicles?

SAHB member Richard Roberts, who often kindly provides pictures for the website from his extensive archive, has asked whether we…

A Motorcycle Museum

Above the main showroom of Werther, a modern motorcycle dealership in Nice, is a room with a secret – a…

The history of the Solex carburettor – information sought

Thomas Coates has contacted us from France.  He is researching the history of the Solex Carburettor company during the pre-war…

A Summer of Memorable Motors

As the trees begin to change to their autumnal hues, we’ve dug into our photos from the events this year…

VSCC Prescott Hillclimb – a scorchingly good weekend

On Saturday and Sunday 4th and 5th August the SAHB took a stand at the VSCC Prescott Hillclimb for the…

A vintage Sunbeam – as commuter car!

We know that we’ve been talking rather a lot about Sunbeams recently – but we couldn’t resist this one.  We…

Michael Sedgwick Memorial Trust – announcing their brand new website

We are delighted to announce the launch of the new website of the Michael Sedgwick Memorial Trust. The Trust plays…

A Sunbeam in Luxembourg

When you talk about motor cars to people, they very often tell you they have one at home – and…

THE MALCOLM JEAL AWARD – a reminder to send us your nominations

This is a reminder to all you avid followers of automotive history to send us your nominations for the MALCOLM…

A Vintage Day at Silverstone – Lagniappe!

If you look at the second of our reports from VSCC Silverstone, below this article, you may remember that we…

A triumphant collection – with two cats

Imagine passing by a house many times, and catching a glimpse of something very interesting – through a half-opened garage…

A Vintage Day at Silverstone – Part Three: The Great Cars

Welcome to Part 3 – the final part of our report on our visit to the first day of the…

Horbick – the story continues

The Horbick car may be a rarity, but the article in Snapshot 127 prompted an important comment from John Warburton,…

A Vintage Day at Silverstone – Part Two: The Sports Cars

Welcome to Part 2 of our report on our visit to the first day of the VSCC Formula Vintage 2018…

A Vintage Day at Silverstone – Part One: The Racers

On Saturday 21st April your webmaster went down to Silverstone for the first day of the VSCC Formula Vintage 2018…

A petition to the Government – to save historic vehicles from scrappage schemes

Peter McFadyen, SAHB member and generous provider of many of the Sliders you see at the top of the website…

A racing veteran (and the tricycle’s quite old, too)

We are allowed to use this cheesy joke because Peter Card, who kindly sent us this picture, made virtually the…

A website we’ve discovered: Le Zèbre, Amilcar, BMW, Morel

We’re delighted to tell you about a website run by an enthusiast in Lyon: Philippe Schram.  You can access it…

Silver Arrows: Mercedes-Benz Racing Cars of the 1950s – at the Louwman Museum in the Hague

From 7 July to 2 September this year the Louwman Museum is hosting an exhibition of the legendary Silver Arrows…

Techno-Classica Essen – beautiful cars in Germany

This beautiful Maserati A6G 2000 Zagato from 1956 has won Best in Show at Techno-Classica Essen – Germany’s biggest classic car…

The MALCOLM JEAL AWARD

The SAHB is delighted to announce The MALCOLM JEAL AWARD for excellence in the writing of articles on a motoring…

A new Pan-European website

We are delighted to announce a new website, created and run by our good friend Thomas Ulrich: a distinguished motoring historian,…

THE BUGATTI TRUST – A new programme of talks

The Bugatti Trust Museum & Study Centre is announcing a new programme of motoring talks.  There’s limited availablity – so…

The continuing story of the 1921 Ballot – and an historical correction

Following Alexander Schaufler’s earlier information and images that enabled us to identify the mystery lady in Snapshot 140 as Marie…

Can you identify these two cars?

One of our SAHB committee members has been asked by a friend whether we can identify these two cars.  The pictures…

Sandy Skinner (1936-2018)

Sandy Skinner, who has died in his 82nd year, was a polymath who made a lasting and important impact on…

The Hat Trick! Anders Clausager wins a third award, in Paris

You can see the delight on the face of Anders Ditlev Clausager (on the left, with the Wolseley bow-tie –…

Power, Paintjobs and Pinstripes – The 2018 Grand National Roadster Show

SAHB member and all-round petrolhead Dean Butler, an American who wisely lives in the UK, has just been back to…

The mystery lady identified – and more…

In a remarkable series of events, the mystery lady in Neil Thorp’s image in Snapshot 140 has been identified.  It…

Two pictures – can you identify them?

Craig Horner has sent us these two pictures that none of us can yet identify. The first photo dates from…

A new book from an SAHB member – and a highly complimentary review

We want to tell you about a new book just published by Guy Loveridge, a member of the committee of…

THE 2017 MICHAEL SEDGWICK AWARD WINNER

We are delighted to announce that Anders Ditlev Clausager has won the 2017 Michael Sedgwick Award for: Wolseley: A Very…

Nick Georgano (1932 – 2017)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Nick Georgano, one of the most influential motoring historians…

A Salmson with an unusual engine

Just as we were leaving the excellent VSCC Prescott hillclimb on Sunday 6th August, we saw this lovely little French…

VSCC Prescott 2017 – up to the usual standard

Your webmaster was able to attend this year’s VSCC Prescott hillclimb on Sunday 6th August.  After a dreadful hailstorm on…

No gain without pain – getting ready to race

Historic racing and hillclimbing have the wonderful advantage over the modern formulae that we can wander round the paddock and…

Thrills, Spills and Automobiles – the story of a passion

Sarah Crofts is a Museum Guide at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, and gave a fascinating talk at the…

The next generation: a new addition to our Sources and Links

We were delighted to hear a few days ago from Whitney Roberts, a tutor in Kingston, New York State.  His…

American Day at Woodford Aerodrome

A splendid 1940s American Day was held recently at the famous Woodford Aerodrome, south of Manchester, for many years the home…

A fun oily-rag Austin Seven

The owner of this 1931 Austin 7 Mulliner Sports 2-seater will not mind at all if we call it “Scruffy”…

A rare Volkswagen

How many times have you walked past a garage door, in town or country, and wondered if something very special…

A new website: the commercial vehicle bodies of H G Creasey & Sons from 1908

We’re delighted to tell you about a new website created by Stephen Creasey, the great grandson of H G Creasey,…

Two pictures – can you identify them?

Anders Ditlev Clausager has set us a real challenge here.  These two pictures came to him from the editor of…

The next generation – the passion continues

We worry that young people are no longer interested in motoring history or older cars.  But we’ve just come across…

A quiz: sort of… identified as a 1909-1910 Brasier

Many thanks to Ariejan Bos for identifying this picture for Ron Field.  He was the only respondent, and so is…

An English-bodied Buick – request for information

Henk van der Veen is a member of CONAM, our motoring history friends in the Netherlands, and has sent us…

The car (not a charabanc) identified: 1916 Overland

Ariejan Bos, based in the Netherlands and a frequent contributor to our good friends at www.prewar.com, has speedily identified this…

A beautiful 1960 Corvette

Your webmaster was recently working in Germany, and asked German colleagues, as always, for their hobbies – perhaps hoping to…

Napier cars in South Australia

Nick McNeil has very kindly sent us four wonderful images of two Napier cars. The earlier car (shown in the…

John Surtees guest of honour at Maserati book launch

The launch of the new Maserati history: “Maserati, the Family Silver” by Nigel Trow was held on 3rd November at…

The 2016 Michael Sedgwick Award Winner

We are pleased to announce that: ‘Skinner’s Union – A history of the Skinner family and the S.U. Company’ by Mike…

Invitation to enter the 1st October Shuttleworth Sprint – or just visit!

Here is an invitation from the Shuttleworth Collection for anyone with a suitable car to enter the season finale: the 1st…

1930 Viking Eight Deluxe Sedan

This is the third in our short series of items on curiosities or rarities seen at this year’s Beaulieu Autojumble. This…

STOP PRESS: Rare Bristol 406 for auction on 8th October (update: sold for £19,000)

It’s not often that we in the SAHB can claim anything approaching a scoop, but this incredibly rare Bristol 406 has…

A unique Morris Minor Traveller

This is the second in our short series of items on curiosities or rarities seen at this year’s Beaulieu Autojumble. At…

Seen at Beaulieu

Following our news item on this year’s Beaulieu Autojumble, here’s the first in a short series of items on curiosities or…

Some pictures from this year’s Beaulieu Autojumble

Your webmaster managed to get to the Autojumble on Sunday 4th September this year.  the quality and quantity of things…

Peter Heilbron (1926 – 2016)

It is with deep sadness that we record the passing of Peter Heilbron. Peter was an active member of the…

Malcolm Jeal (1944 – 2016)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Malcolm Jeal, Friend of Automotive History, honorary member of…

A place to visit this Summer? The museum at Lohéac

Your webmaster has just returned from a holiday in northern France, with a recommendation: the Manor of the Automobile and…

Some pictures from 3D Engineers – Chateau Impney Seminar

Stuart Brown of 3D Engineers gave a fascinating talk on 20th March at the SAHB Chateau Impney Spring Seminar –…

A new website about Doulton Motoring Ware

SAHB member Tony Clark is already well known for his excellent website on motoring art and the work of motoring…

A source of automotive production statistics

Automobilia 85-45 is a German website dedicated to production figures for cars, commercial vehicles and military vehicles from all over…

Nominations invited for the Michael Sedgwick Award

The SAHB Awards Panel is inviting nominations for the Michael Sedgwick Award. The Society of Automotive Historians in Britain instigated…

New Volunteer sought

The Michael Sedgwick Memorial Trust was created to commemorate one of the world’s greatest automotive historians. Following his death in…

The Horseless Carriage Exhibition, 1896-2016 – 7/8 May 2016

The De Dion Bouton Club UK is organising a re-enactment of the original London Motor Show at Imperial College in…

Sunbeam Tiger returns to Ainsdale Beach – 16 March 2016

Over a thousand people, many in vintage cars, attended the Southport Festival of Speed at Ainsdale Beach on 16th March…

Techno Classica Essen – 6th – 10th April 2016

The 28th Techno Classica Essen will take place at Messe Essen on 6th – 10th April 2016. It is one…

History in the making? The first fleet of hydrogen taxis in Paris

On a dark and rainy morning early in March, on the outskirts of Paris, your webmaster hailed a taxi. Nothing…

Karl Ludvigsen wins the Golden Piston for 2016

Karl Ludvigsen, highly distinguished and internationally renowned motoring historian and honorary member of both the SAH and the SAHB, has…

A New Chairman for the SAHB

During the annual AGM of the Society of Automotive Historians in Britain, held on 25th October 2015, at the Sir…

The 2015 Michael Sedgwick Award Winner

We are pleased to announce that: ‘Henry Lester, His Cars & The Monkey Stable’ by Stewart Penfound has won the…

Lord Montagu of Beaulieu

It is with sadness that we have to report the passing of SAHB Honorary Member, Lord Montagu of Beaulieu. Lord…

The All New: ASPECTS OF MOTORING HISTORY has just been published

The latest Aspects of Motoring History, No 11, edited and produced by Dr Craig Horner has just been published (August…

THE AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURING Co. Ltd. ‘AN UPDATE’.

In 2011, the SAHB reprinted a rare publication called The Automobile Handbook & Guide. Originally published in November 1900, this…

Manchester Museum of Science & Industry archives

Good news from the northwest. The extensive archives at Manchester’s Museum of Science & Industry can now be searched online….

SAHB co-release republished guide – now for sale!

The Automobile Handbook and Guide originally issued by the The Automobile Manufacturing Company Ltd. This is a reproduction of a possibly…

Autumn 2014 Seminar a Rousing and well attended success!

SAHB  Autumn Seminar 2014 at Paulerspury Following an ostensibly successful start to the day with our traditional literature and photograph…

Tom Threlfall (1934 – 2016)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Tom Threlfall, who died peacefully at home on Tuesday…

Only in Italy… A few images from the 2015 Mille Miglia Retrospective

Above: A 1930 Bentley 4½ Supercharged.  One of two Blower Bentleys on this year’s Mille Miglia – not bad out…

SAHB witness legendary Ecurie Ecosse team at the 2014 Mille Miglia.

The legendary Ecurie Ecosse transporter and two Jaguars joined with Jaguar Heritage Racing for the 2014 Mille Miglia and pretty…

Winner of the Michael Sedgwick Award 2013

We are pleased to announce that ‘Carscapes: the motor car, architecture and landscape in England’ by Kathryn A. Morrison and…

The Michael Sedgwick Award

The Society of Automotive Historians in Britain instigated in 2011 their Michael Sedgwick Award. Given annually in the name of…

First award ceremony for the Michael Sedgwick Award

At its recent AGM and autumn seminar the SAHB was delighted to present the first Michael Sedgwick Award for John…

Longbridge history recalled in a new organisation

New Name behind ‘Pride of Longbridge’ The co-organiser of the annual ‘Pride of Longbridge’ event and the Longbridge Centenary Celebration…

The SAHB’s new Michael Sedgwick Award

As reported at the AGM, the SAHB is instituting the Michael Sedgwick Award for a new book, or article, dealing…

SAH 2011 awards announced

Amongst the SAH awards announced recently are several of particular interest to the SAHB. We heartily congratulate the deserving recipients. British…

Guide to motoring history websites

Just in: 500 of the world’s greatest motoring history web sites, compiled by Alan Glaze. Published in Manchester in 2011…

SAHB members can use Motormail

SAHB members can make use of the parent SAH’s service that enables members to post enquiries by email and receive regular…

Science Museum Library newsletter

The latest Science Museum Library newsletter by email, January 2010, notes a new digitisation project for the vast trade literature…

SAHB visit to the new Science Museum library and archive

On the rather wet and windy Thursday morning of 20th August 2009, twenty SAHB members gathered at the Science Museum Library…