Interesting Cars with Interesting Histories. – 15 (part two)
Following on from our last entry we discovered that in 1938 a change of ownership brought BKP 225 into the life of Edward Julian Cowan King-Salter, a military man stationed at Dover Castle and holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort’s Own). We unfortunately are not privy to how his touring in France panned out, but we do know that in the following year he was appointed as British Attaché to Norway and that the car was laid up for the duration of the war.
The Norwegian theatre of war was very complex as it involved all three arms of the forces at a time when mechanised warfare and inter force cooperation was at an early stage of learning. The difficult terrain and the well organised enemy invasion forces caused a retreat and evacuation in June of 1940. While attempting to make his escape Lt. Colonel King- Salter was severely injured, losing most of his right foot, was captured and held in prison till 1942 at which time he was released in a prisoner exchange, finishing the war at a desk job.
In June of 1945, Edward contacted Armstrong Siddeley motors with a view to selling the car but was advised that due to petrol and tyre restrictions there was, at that time, no demand for the larger horsepower car. Early in 1946 the car was transported from Wokingham on a lorry to Vincents of Reading to be recommissioned. Their invoice shows that the two six-volt batteries (housed under the rear compartment floor either side of the prop shaft) and the regulator were replaced, and that the car was given a full service. Vincents also undertook the fitting of a hand throttle on the steering column to aid Edward’s control of the vehicle. All this for the princely sum of £25.9/4d, or allowing for inflation approximately £587.40, which we think was pretty good value.
Further bills show maintenance throughout the 1950s and the mileometer now recorded 54531 miles.
In 1960 Edward wrote to Armstrong Siddeley Motors enquiring about cylinder liners suitable for his car, and their availability. Happily ASM did have some, but advised that there was a danger the block might be damaged when the old ones were being removed. The suggestion was made that fitting a set of Chords piston-rings would be the better way forward. We can assume that this solution was with merit as it was some seven years later before the engine decided enough was enough. The firm of Horsfall and Bicknall were asked to fit a 28hp Bedford petrol engine with matching manual gearbox, all of which had worked well, but by now the body of the car was in a very poor condition.
So much for the car, but what about the owner? When the war was over Edward had left the army and joined the church becoming Vicar of St Stephen and all Martyrs Oldham Lancashire 1951- 1957 followed by the position of Vicar of St. John the Baptist, Atherton, Lancashire 1957 -1974. He was then appointed Canon Emeritus of Manchester. He was greatly thought of by his parishioners was also a founder trustee of the Peacemaker Trust Charity. When he passed in 1981 his full title was Lt. Col. The Rev Canon Edward Julian Cowan King-Salter D.S.O. O.B.E. M.A. A remarkable man, who for a time owned a remarkable car.
In our next entry the car changes ownership twice more, finishing in the caring hands it by now so desperately needs.
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