Vintage postbag , June 1961

Bell Cars

Sir.

As a regular reader of Motor Sport the issue for last month proved to be even more interesting. “Vintage Postbag” provided the interest in the letter from Mr JS Mackrell regarding the location of an original Bell car.

As the address was Ravensthorpe I thought that perhaps a few inquiries amongst the staff where I work as Chargehand coachbuilder would help. I had to go further back than I thought but one chap did remember the Bell car. “Oh yes,” he said, “they used to make filters as well. Mr Ingham of Inghams Pit, Thornhill (Dewsbury) had one, a landaulette HD1 it was, and the DPIS had some.” (Dewsbury Pioneers Industrial Society.)

He also remembered one being used as a taxi in Dewsbury. There was very little else about the Bell car he could remember, though in the ensuing “natter” he mentioned a light car, perhaps a cycle-car made by a firm called Bagshaws near our own works in Batley; their works have been used for years by a firm of boiler makers (Riley’s).

However that was all he was able to tell me about the Bell car. I’m afraid the only clue is the HD1. Perhaps the registration authorities can help him in his search.

If however you have any information about the cyclecar made by Bagshaws I would be very interested to hear it.

I am, Yours, etc.,

R Pottery. Batley.