The annual Turner
Wolverhampton Reunion was held at Bantock Park on Sunday,
18th August, 2019. As usual it was organised by Brian Shaw
to celebrate Wolverhampton's last production car
manufacturer. It is the only annual event in the city that
celebrates the once-important local vehicle manufacturing
industry, that in its heyday employed many thousands of
people.
Turner Sports Cars
(Wolverhampton) Limited was founded by the late Jack Turner,
who initially worked as a sports car specialist at the
Old Smithy in Seisdon, before manufacturing his
own cars. Production of the sports cars began in a small
factory in Merridale Street, Wolverhampton, in 1955 and
soon moved to a larger building at Wolverhampton's Municipal
Airport at Pendeford, where several models were produced.
Manufacturing continued until March 1966
when the company ceased operating.
Between 650 and 700
Turner sports cars were built.
The cars at the event were as follows:
| Owner |
Model |
Year |
Registration No. |
| Ken Robbins |
950S BMC |
1959 |
9 NPC |
| Derek Bentley |
Mk 1 BMC |
1960 |
2 RTD |
| Stephen Sage |
MKII BMC |
1962 |
6415 YG |
| Brian Shaw |
MKIII Ford,
1500cc. |
1966 |
GOK 444D |
Brian Shaw also had a display
in part of the tractor shed, behind the house, that
described the history of the sports cars. As usual he was
ably assisted by ex-Turner employee, Ken Robbins.
Bantock Park was an ideal venue for the event. The park and house are always
worth a visit and excellent refreshments are available in
the café.
