THE 1952 MOTOR SHOW

The date is the 22^nd October 1952, and the ethos of the British motor industry is still very much 'Export or Die'. During this year, companies across the UK produced 448,000 vehicles, but they allocated 308,942 for export. But at least the end to the 'Car Covenant' looks in sight. Since the end of the Second World War, buyers of new cars had to sign an agreement that they would not sell them within a fixed period. On the 18^th April, The Daily Telegraph reported:

Dealers will give preference to doctors, midwives and veterinary surgeons, then to business and professional users and compassionate cases. Firms, companies and users of fleets of vehicles come next where there is 'urgent need'.

However, there are rumours the covenant will no longer apply to all models by next month and will even be abolished early next year. So, at least you can visit the first day of the London Motor Show in a reasonably positive frame of mind. There are more than 500 stands, nearly 300 models, and 63 marques. Of these, 32 are British, with 197 cars at Earls Court, the remainder hailing from Canada, France, Italy, the USA – and Spain, in the very desirable form of the Pegaso.

Meanwhile, that new Wolseley 4/44 is more sensible and looks worth every penny of £997. Its appearance is almost Continental. Plus, it retains that reassuring 'Ghost Light' badge in the radiator. Of course, one is not quite yet in line for the directorship, but an office manager with special responsibility for typing ribbon supplies may dream of the latest Humber Super Snipe Series IV. It certainly makes the four-cylinder Hawk look diminutive, although the fuel economy of a 4.1-litre six-cylinder Blue Riband engine is quite limited. But then, what does that matter in a £1, 627 1s 1d saloon with "Power with Pedigree" and "Comfort beyond Compare"?

Next, the Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 346 is even more desirable than the Humber – and, alas, even more unattainable at £1,728 3s 4d. It makes the Jaguar Mk. VII look slightly flamboyant by comparison, but now it is time to consider a more practical vehicle. The Morris Minor is not only the nation's best-selling car, but it also now boasts two windscreen wipers as standard.

Still, a chap may dream of cravat-wearing behind the wheel of the latest Austin A40 Somerset 'Coupe', the Triumph 20TS and the Healey Hundred. The last-named is capable of "doing the ton", and there are rumours that it has greatly impressed Leonard Lord, the chair of the British Motor Corporation.

Waiting lists for new cars persist, and on the 29^th October, Sir William Rootes tells the press, "we are still working on the delivery of Hillman Minx orders placed in 1952 and Humber Hawk orders of 1948". But the mood at the London Show appears to be optimistic, and you have decided to place an order for a Minor. Those twin wipers were the deciding factor, and the neighbours are sure to be impressed.