By 2030 the sale of cars running on petrol and gasoline will be banned in the UK, and with this date getting ever closer we have seen the growth of the electric vehicle industry. Tesla is perhaps one of the best-known brands that has accelerated on to the new sustainable car market with others following close behind.
But before we go fully electric, and petrol pumps get replaced by charge points, what of cars of yesteryear – what were early local cars and car showrooms like? It was whilst listing a new collection that we came across old images of Dorchester, and in particular this unlabelled slide that piqued our interest.
After some research it was discovered that the slide was an image of Channon and Sons, 6 High East Street, Dorchester (circa 1903), presently the site of Majestic Wine. The building façade with its large windows and flat roof is still recognisable today. It is fascinating to see that back in the early 1900s Channon and Sons had a 2-storey showroom which would undoubtedly have courted the attention of passers-by and was the ideal platform to show their cars to their fullest potential.
Channon and Sons – Carriage and Motor Car Builders
Following this information with a look in the History Centre catalogue, we found the original advert that uses the image:
Designed and built in Dorset, “The first car made in Dorset to be seen at our works.” The advert “begs to ask the favour of an inspection at our premises” – the early car showroom. Described as “a very quiet and powerful car, special attention called to OUR AUTOMATIC IGNITION, avoiding BACK FIRE and INJURED WRISTS” (there would have been a high risk when turning a crankshaft by hand!)
“Why buy French or German cars” the advert exclaims, “when equal at less cost can be built in your own country?”
The 1905 Channon Car
Delving further into the archives uncovered a brochure for the 10 h.p (horsepower) Channon car of 1905 including specification, all for the price of 225 Guineas,
“The car as illustrated is fitted with a body of our design and is extremely light and comfortable. Finished in best class style, trimmed in the best red leather, and spring cushion.”
Some highlights include:
Engine – Water-cooled by chain-driven pump, large radiator. Gas control on steering wheel. Automatic lubrication.
Ignition – The advancing of the time of ignition is by ingenious method controlled by the governor; this advances the time of ignition automatically, according to the speed the engine is running at.
Gearing – The well-known system of three-speeds, forward and reverse, all actuated by one lever. Direct drive on top speed, giving 30 mph.
History of E. Channon and Sons – car sales
Edward Channon formed the company. Between 1903-1907 cars were produced by Ernest and Ralph Channon.
A leaflet from 1977, extended
“An invitation to select a new car or pre-owned guaranteed vehicle from our stock…. the company had the rare distinction of being appointed personally in 1913 by William Morris, later Lord Nuffield (founder of Morris Motors Ltd)”
This followed the success already enjoyed in Dorset by the firm as Coach Builders and Car manufacturers, and lead to the company selling iconic cars such as the Morris Minor.
An advert from the 1968 Dorset Evening Echo shows that the E. Channon and Sons car business was still thriving, they had diversified into selling vans amongst other popular second-hand cars such as the Mini Cooper and MG.
In 2000 the business closed.
The 1906 Channon car
This letter from a librarian at the Montagu Motor Museum dated 16th June 1967 responds to an enquiry about the 1906 Channon car – they were unable to find information on the car at that time, “unfortunately there is no reference in any of the technical car lists from 1907 onwards”. Some sixty years on the car was still of interest. Once electric cars are commonplace what, we wonder, will be the classics that we remember from today?
Other images of early motorised carriage cars can be found in the RON collection. My Motoring Trips 1902/3: Part 1 (RON/20/1/10) is a diary written in 1902 and 1903 by the wife of Henry Farquharson of Blandford; documenting their travels in a Panhard-Levassor “an example from one of the oldest French coachbuilders with a reputation for quality second to none” (1901 Panhard et Levassor 7 hp | Classic Driver Market), and in the Herbert Collection (D-HBT/4326), where there are also images of early petrol stations (D-HBT/3547).
Find out more by visiting the Dorset History Centre catalogue.