Weekly Meeting - Trevor Picken (Hampton Cars)

It is always a pleasure to give thanks to another Rotarian, particularly, to Trevor who as President of Gloucester played an important role in our foundation, 36 years ago.  He was to talk about one of the loves of his life, Hampton Cars.  Not too surprising considering his engineering background.

The story was a fascinating mixture of local history, geography and personalities.  However, it started in London before  moving to Lifford, Birmingham where the first Hampton cars were built in 1914.  The Great War intervened – bankruptcy arose and car production ceased. All problems were resolved by 1919, a factory established in Dudbridge, Stroud and the first car rolled off the line.  

Production of these quality cars continued at a steady pace, but competition with the emerging giants, particularly Austin, Morris and Singer, was a losing battle. By 1931-3, Hamptons had produced some 1100 vehicles of high specification compared with over 200,000.  The writing was on the wall for a stunning British car yet again.  

Now, 100 years from the start, only six cars are roadworthy, but at least some owners can share the vintage they enjoy!

Roger Atkinson