VINTAGE car enthusiast Gareth Jones, from South Wales, is keen to uncover the history of a vehicle supplied by Stroud firm – Taylors Automobiles. The car has been with him in Bridgend for 35 years, but its origins are firmly set in Stroud.

The 1935 black and green Standard 12hp saloon was manufactured in Coventry by the Standard Motor Company.

Gareth, a retired quality advisor, acquired the vehicle, previously a Standard/Triumph dealer’s show car, in 1979. He spent years researching its history and, with the help of the Gloucestershire Records Office, discovered that the car – registration number ADG 817 – was first owned by Miles Beale of Minchinhampton.

Further research showed that Miles’ daughter was Gladys Beale, the proprietor of Blueboys School, who died at the age of 106. Gareth was able to reunite Miss Beale with the car, when she recalled travelling to tea dances in Stroud in the vehicle.

Following Mr Beale’s death, the car passed to Gladys’ brother before going to new owners in the Tewkesbury area, and then to Wales.

The original registration shows that the car was supplied by Taylors Automobiles of King Street. The firm is traceable in the area back to 1820, starting with a boot-making business then expanding as bicycle agents and repairers, with premises in Gloucester Road, Bath Street and Merrywalks.

Gareth believes that confirmation and hopefully period photographs would complete his researches, so he is hoping that any readers may be able to assist.

Can you help Gareth in his quest? If so, he can be contacted on 01656 660558 or by e-mail, at weymannman@aol.com.