I found myself a tad disappointed at the opening day of the new exhibition Cars: Accelerating the Modern World at the V&A in London, which runs to April.
Sure, there were around 20 of the world’s greatest vehicles on display for your £18, or £22 with donation, and a mountain of exciting motoring paraphernalia and early films to look at and watch, but why wasn’t there a British car among the exhibits?
I am sure the V&A would cite the magnificent E-type Jaguar posing in the outside foyer to advertise the exhibition – but even this was a left-hand-drive American import!
So, let me give you an E-type with a cracking British pedigree – and just perfect for any little one’s Christmas!
East Bristol Auctions on November 30 featured this rare 1960s Tri-ang-made E-Type Jaguar child’s pedal car. The car boasted a steel body, in silver, with Tri-ang decals to the front and a chequered stripe along the bonnet. Chrome detailing finished the body, with a wire-framed windscreen, white steering wheel, top-of-the-range wire wheels and red metal bucket seat.
The best is still to come. The four-feet long Jag was also fitted with an original ‘Motor Roar’ engine-sound unit, with adjustable controls for its little driver. Awesome!
The story of how Tri-ang got its name is worth mentioning. Brothers George and Joseph Lines made toys in Victorian times. Their company was G & J Lines Ltd. Joseph had four sons, three of whom formed Lines Bros Ltd soon after the Great War. Three ‘Lines’ make a triangle, hence the name ‘Tri-ang’.
From a private collection of vintage pedal cars, the Jag sold for £1,000.
Picture:  E-type pedal car, £1,000 (East Bristol Auctions).
