A man whose cars led the procession at the Weymouth Carnival and whose vehicle made the day special for many brides tells us about his beloved fleet of vehicles.
Graham Wiltshire from Chickerell, aka Carle Grahame, has a great collection of cars!
He is the proud owner of a 1935 Beardmore (ex London) Taxicab, a 1958 Morris 1000 Convertible (LHD), a 1957 Bond Minicar Tricycle, a 1975 Hillman Imp, a 1974 Hillman Imp 1937 and an Austin 10.
He tells us: “The Beardmore that I have owned twice is very unique as it is the only one of this model that is still complete and running in the world!”
Why did you choose this vehicle?
I love rare and quirky cars, buy what I want and enjoy bringing them back to life.
Leading Weymouth Carnival Procession 2017
What do you mainly use it for and do you take it to shows or events?
My restored and roadworthy vehicles are mainly used for pleasure, to raise money for local charities and to attend shows and sometimes for weddings and special occasions.
Ready to dazzle on a wedding day
What does your family think of your passion for vehicles?
My passion for cars goes back to my childhood. My sister and her husband own a 1935 Austin that they bought from me 40 years ago so the family would know I am a gasoline engine.
The elegant detail of Graham’s wedding car
What was your first vehicle and why did you buy it?
My first mode of transport was a 1953 125cc Vespa scooter that was bought to get to work and I then bought a Bond minicar that I could drive with my motorcycle license. I passed my driving test two weeks after my 17th birthday
What is your dream vehicle and why?
I don’t really have a dream vehicle, I’ve been fortunate enough to own a lot of vehicles, I particularly liked my 970cc, 1071cc and 1275cc MiniCooper models that I owned at different times and my beloved 1926 Austin Clifton Tourer, I’ve owned for 33 years.
Would you ever drive electric and why?
No, I really don’t see many people who want to rely on the availability of charging points or who risk the battery running out, I’m all for reducing pollution, but not an electric car for me, and certainly not one that ” self drives ”
The Bond Minicar at the 2019 Sherborne Quadrangle Show where it won its class
What do you think a car says about its driver?
I never really thought about it, most people buy and drive a car that they can afford and enjoy. I think the “status symbol” thing applies to soccer players, TV stars and the like.
Which road do you prefer to drive on and why?
Driving the Abbotsbury to West Bay coastal road in the early summer morning is spectacular
