The rise of private transport
| The first modern bicycle was built in the 1880s offering people the independence to travel faster and further than walking. Mass production of bicycles and rising wages meant that by the 1930s, most working people could afford bicycles. |  |
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The car, invented in the 1880s, was the ultimate symbol of independence. It offered 'freedom from the humdrum of a crowded railway train' according to this Jowett brochure from the 1920s. Enlarge image |
| The Mini was launched in 1959, the same year as the M1 motorway was opened. Both events gave a huge boost to the 1960s, the decade when most working people could afford a new or used car. |  |
If you are a car owner can you remember your very first car? Can you recall the registration, that first drive, the make and model? Where did you travel to and what journeys did you make in it? Did it have a name?
If you have stories of the thrill of owning your first car you can share them on this website by going to the Stories page.
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The boom in car ownership and road building came to an end in the 1990s. Environmental issues were added to the political agenda. Increasing regulation of car usage included speed cameras, congestion charging and car emission tests. |
If you are interested in finding out more about particular cars or car advertising then visit the Catalogue on this site to find out what is in the Nick Baldwin Collection. You can then book to see particular documents and photos by arranging a visit to the Heritage Motor Centre’s Reading Room.
