Richie Barnett |Triumph 2.5, Hot Wheels & Diabolical Liberties

This week on Wheels & Deals, I’m delighted to be joined by motoring journalist Richie Barnett as we take a trip back through the motor trade's glory days. Together, we share stories, characters, and the quirky businesses that made this period so special.

We explore everything from family Triumph estates and childhood Matchbox cars, to bustling local dealers and trade-only auction houses that still echo in the memories of those who lived it. We share some proper classic tales about legendary dealers and the old-school bits and bobs we used to use to break into cars!

Pitstops:

• Richie's journey into the car world from his childhood memories to the beginnings of his passion.

• Life in Brentford's motor trade scene, the role of the Society of Motor Manufacturers, and the hustle around Eaton High Street's Ford dealership.

• Local motoring landmarks such as Cha and Scott Motoring Bookshop (Isleworth, now RS in Hook, Hampshire) and Hargoods auction house (Cheadle).

• The traders who made the scene memorable, John Ao, aka The Mad Dane in Staines, and American car importer Will Phillips.

• The transformation from print ads in Exchange and Mart or AutoTrader magazines to the digital age of car marketplaces.

• A fun quick-fire look at vintage car accessories and restoration attempts.

A Nod to:

• Society of Motor Manufacturers
• Beechams Company Cars
• Cha and Scott Motoring Bookshop (Isleworth/Hook) — chaters.co.uk
• Ford Dealership in Eaton High Street
• Hargoods Auction House (Cheadle)
• John Ao, The Mad Dane (Staines)
• American Car Importers of old like Ian Grange & Wilf Phillips
• Exchange and Mart
• AutoTrader
• Auto Classic and Car Accessory Trader magazines

If we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [e-mail]

Stick with us for road trips, behind-the-scenes moments, and the cars that make your heart race.

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