As the 1920s advanced more and more adverts for cars appeared in the Tiverton Gazette. Car ownership was, however, far beyond the reach of most people. The cheapest of these Rover cars was the equivalent of 6 months pay for the average worker in 1925. In 1920, there were 187,000 cars on the road in Britain by the end of the decade there just over 1 million. The road network was being improved and expanded at the same time. This included ring roads around the major cities, although Exeter had to wait until the 1930s for its bypass. The Highway Code was first published only in 1931, so the 1920s motorist enjoyed considerable freedom with very few rules to follow, although there was a speed limit of 20mph. Not surprisingly, the accident rate was high.

A clipping from a newspaper from 1925 advertising the ‘Rover Light Car’ with prices reduced. It shows that a standard model with 8 horsepower, 2 or 4 seater, was on sale for £139.
A long wheel base model was going for £200.
The advert also talks about the ‘Clyno’, which has 11 horsepower, complete with electric lighting and starting, with petrol consumption of 40-45 miles per gallon.
The bottom of the advert tells us ‘Full particulars gladly sent on request or call and let us demonstrate’. All the models were apparently available at the Tiverton Motor Co., Lowman Green, Tiverton.

Clyno was a successful, but short lived, Midland motor manufacturer. In 1926, it was the third largest behind Austin and Morris.

Early Rover Car (pictured c.1980)

The number plate of this car shows that it was registered before 1932 and not in Devon. The first two letters indicate the place and Devon’s first allocated letters were FJ.

Floods at Lowman Green 1929

This photo from the Museum’s collection shows Lowman Green and the Tiverton Motor Co. Under water in the floods of 1929.

Howe’s Garage, Newport Street

The 1921 census shows that Mr Howe and three of his sons worked as ‘motor engineers’ at the garage.

Written by Museum Volunteer, Sue B.