The 2010 Turner Sports Car Rally took place on Sunday 22nd August in Bantock Park, Wolverhampton, on a lovely summers day. Nine Turner sports cars were lined-up in front of Bantock house, and made an impressive sight.

Throughout the day they were inspected by the many visitors, who also enjoyed Brian Shaw's indoor display in the 'tractor shed' which told the story of Turner, from its humble beginnings at Seisdon, to the factory at Pendeford, and the many models that were built. There was also a 'time-line' slide presentation of the main developments and events in the history of Turner Sports Cars, from 1948 up to the present day, put together by Ken Robbins.
The cars were as follows:
Owner Car type Registration No.
Roy Beasley MKI 922 XUL
Derek Bentley MKI BMC 2 RTD
John Cullis Mk III Ford, 1200c.c. BAX 500B
Ray Jones MKII BMC PBF 570
Graham Oxley MKII BMC PSJ 261
Ken Robbins 950S BMC 9 NPC
Brian Shaw MKIII Ford, 1500c.c. GOK 444D
Ron Taylor MKII Ford, 1500c.c 220 WMA
James Taylor MKII BMC PAS 966
As usual it was an enjoyable day, that allowed enthusiasts to talk to the experts about their cars, and Turner Sports Cars of Wolverhampton in particular. This year we were delighted to see Graham Oxley's MKII BMC, and John Cullis's MKIII Ford, which made their first appearance at the annual event.

Turner sports cars were the last production cars to be built in Wolverhampton, signifying the end of the once-important local car manufacturing industry, that employed thousands of people in the 1920s and 1930s. Although production ended at the beginning of 1966, many people still fondly remember the successful sports cars, and the company that made them. 


Ron Taylor's MKII Ford.

James Taylor's MKII BMC.

Graham Oxley's MKII BMC.

Ken Robbins' 950S BMC.

Roy Beasley's MKI.

Brian Shaw's MKIII Ford.

Derek Bentley's MKI BMC.

Ray Jones' MKII BMC.

John Cullis's Mk III Ford. Courtesy of Brian Shaw.

Some of the cars in front of the house.

Interested visitors inspecting the cars and talking to the owners.

Ken Robbins explaining the intricacies of a MKII Turner to some of the visitors.

A final view of James Taylor's car.
Visitors and owners enjoyed the refreshments and meals that were available in the now extended Bantock café, and also inspected the new exhibits in the house.

Thanks must go to Brian Shaw for organising the event, the only one in the city that celebrates a once significant industry, which began in the 1890s with Star and Sunbeam, and ended in the 1960s when Turner Sports Cars (Wolverhampton) Limited closed its doors for the last time in 1966.
Return to the
list of rallies