Black Country Bugle

Black Country sports car could hit 80mph

- David Cooper, Wolverhamp­ton

IN response to your request – Bugle No: 1561, July 27 – to help identify the illustrati­on of a sports car.

It very much reminded me of the Turner A3, built initially in The Old Smithy, Seisden near Womborne, later to relocate to Merridale Street West, Wolverhamp­ton, in the Penn Fields district. Then in 1960 they moved to the former Pendeford airfield.

The attached advertisem­ent provides in detail the vehicle’s engine and specificat­ion, and confirms the price of £674, 0 shillings, 1 penny, including tax.

The small workshop at 32 Merridale Street West can still be seen today at the rear of the terraced house.

Originally from Staffordsh­ire, Jack Turner was born

in 1916 and lived to a ripe old age, dying in 2011.

1954 was the deciding year to build a low price sports car, with a choice of engines from the likes of Austin, Ford and Coventry Climax, or a Turnerdeve­loped engine.

Many of the components were from Austin A30 and A35 models. Turner’s car shone brightly, claiming victory in many races.

By 1963 the company was building some very good-looking sports cars, the envy of many, using a Ford 1,500cc tuned engine. Today they are treasured by many proud owners.

 ?? ?? Advert for the Wolverhamp­ton-made Turner A30
A 1960 Turner sports car
Advert for the Wolverhamp­ton-made Turner A30 A 1960 Turner sports car

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