The SS Airline versus a steam locomotive

The SS Airline

Alan tells us: “My dad George Bickley was the proud owner of an S.S.1 Airline saloon, registration BUC 512, which I must admit I drooled over when I was lad. It was at Easter time in 1946 that he bought the car from a soldier who had recently returned from service abroad but was unable to continue driving. It cost him £200, which seemed a lot at the time, but in today’s money it was a bargain. I was over the moon when we drove back to the Black Country. It had 6 cylinders, a 2.5 litre engine, and was light to handle as it was made out of ash wood and aluminium.

There was a hand pump for the petrol which had a glass reservoir, and you had to make sure the reservoir was kept full.

“The wiper blades had their own independent electric motor, which wasn’t too bad for most conditions, but in a heavy downpour you either had to drive the blades manually from inside the car, or pull over and wait for the storm to pass; the second option being by far the safest. And the upholstery was leather throughout.

When we collected it from Aberystwyth it had a few dents, a bald patch on one of the tyres, and was coloured silvery grey, but after a bit of work Dad repaired the bodywork and sprayed it dark blue.

“There was one time I will never forget when I got behind the wheel of the Airline on another journey out of Wales, and enjoyed an exhilarating few seconds along a stretch of the road that ran parallel to the railway.

Bugle readers may know where I mean. I saw the train in the distance and put my foot down and passed it with apparent ease. Then glancing down at the speedometer I suddenly realised I was doing the ton. Needless to say the Airline left the train in its wake.”