A VISIT TO THE 1953 LONDON MOTOR SHOW

It is the 21^st October 1953, and the Duke of Edinburgh is to open the London Motor Show - an event that heralds the beginning of the post-war buyer’s market. Of course, Vauxhall buyers might still be awaiting delivery of the Wyvern or Velox they bought in 1947 and Morris dealers may still be fulfilling orders for the Minor placed in 1948. But, as one motoring writer put it:

No longer are delivery dates expressed in terms of years, the majority of models for export only, and the more exotic Continental cars sold (to rich Americans only) almost before the turnstiles commence to click.

With such automotive temptations on display, it would be easy to spend all day at Earls Court. But for now, we have compiled a list of the first cars you plan to appraise:

Citroën

It will surely never catch on in this country. Yes, the 2CV is a major seller in its homeland, but that is to French drivers. You, on the other hand, are British and therefore sensible and sober - and therefore prefer your motor cars to be as charismatic as Edgar Lustgarten. The advertisement may claim it is “the most remarkable small car in the world” but “remarkable” can so often translate as “the neighbours now thinking you are a bohemian”. Looking at the battleship grey model on the Citroën GB makes one wonder just why they decided to assemble this strange machine in Slough. In fact, the UK-built 2CV is further proof the country is going to the dogs, along with those new-fangled Teddy Boys who should be subjected to ten years’ National Service.

Ford

Its lines may date from 1939 but for just £390, you too could own the Popular 103E - the cheapest ‘full size’ new car in the UK. The model at Earls Court looks most appealing in blue, while who needs sun visors, direction indicators, a passenger windscreen wiper, and a boot floor anyway? Meanwhile, for those motorists who want to combine economy with contemporary looks, there is the Anglia and Prefect 100E – Ford GB’s first unitary-bodied small cars. They may retain the (dreadful) vacuum windscreen wipers of earlier models and power is from a 1,172cc side-valve engine, married to a three-speed gearbox. But they certainly look up to the minute, and the four-door Prefect even boasted two windscreen wipers as standard. That said, the example on the Ford stand is in ivory with gold tyres, which is a touch Flash Harr for your tastes.

Finally, the Ford display features a vehicle “for connoisseurs of motoring; it is a leader amongst cars of today, built to deserve the instant admiration it will always command”. Yes, it is a new Zephyr-Zodiac, “a picture of grace, poise and purpose!” for just £851 2s 6d. Not only did it boast, fog, spot and reversing lamps, a heater, and windscreen washers, wing mirrors, but there is also, leather upholstery, pile carpet, wool headlining, a cigar lighter, and a clock.

Hillman

For the motorist with dreams of Route 66 but facing the stern realities of driving to the office in Croydon, Hillman offers the new Californian. In essence, it is a Minx Convertible with a hardtop. The lack of a central pillar and the winding rear windows meant you could cut a dash on your next holiday in Broadstairs in the “Style-setter for the future”. Furthermore, as Sir Reginal Rootes told The Telegraph: “materials hitherto scare or unobtainable are now widely used for first-class colour finishes”. As a result, that Apple and Dark Green Californian on the Hillman stand looks especially appealing.

Jensen

The bright red 541 is not just a star of the Earls Court but surely one of the most beautiful cars of the year. The price may be a steep £1,250 but no previous Jensen sported such exquisite coachwork. Looking at those svelte lines, it is almost impossible to believe the 541 is related to the very non-sporting Austin A135 Princess but it is powered by a triple carburettor version of Longbridge’s 3993cc straight-six.

MG

At the MG stand, there is a chance to investigate the latest TF; a revised TD with separate seats, and an angled radiator. For those who need more space, there is the latest MG saloon and if the Magnette ZA is not cheap at £914 7s 6d, it still cost less than its YB predecessor. In appearance it resembles the Wolseley 4/44, although the Magentte is two inches lower and had only the boot lid, roof, and front doors in common.

Riley

The star of Stand 125 is, of course, the latest RMH-series Pathfinder, with power from the famous 2.5-litre engine. As with the MG Magnette, the new Riley’s handsome lines were courtesy of Gerald Palmer, and the sales copy promises the owner: “remarkable roadholding qualities; stability with surging power. Fast cruising in luxurious comfort; fast cornering in perfect safety.”

Sunbeam-Talbot

The Rootes Group introduced the Alpine in March but Stand 134 is your first chance to appreciate the car that Sheila van Damm drove along Jabbeke highway at 120.135 mph, making her Europe’s fastest female driver. Of course, the standard model’s 90 mph and 0-60 in 18 seconds is more than sufficient for the A27, even if it us not exactly cheap at £1,210 7s 6d. But then, be it in Sapphire Blue, the colour choices were Coronation Red, Alpine Mist or Ivory, the Alpine looks so dashed attractive.

Volkswagen

The war has been over for more than eight years, but you still have qualms about buying a German car. Nor is the Beetle – officially available in the UK for the first time - on Stand 149, especially cheap. The De Luxe version costs £739 4s 2d, making the likes of the Standard Eight initially seem better value. But the engine layout is intriguing and an owners’ club has recently been established. Better still, VW Motors Ltd. promise the Beetle is “available for immediate delivery”. It might be worth calling WHItehall 9501 to arrange a test drive…