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A full scale model car has been protected by Humber Galvanizing Ltd to ensure it withstands the test of time as brilliantly as the classic car it commemorates – the very first entirely British designed and built motor car (in a series), manufactured 127 years ago.

The impressive sculpture was (designed) by American-born Filmmaker Mark Reber, Founder of the Clevedon Cars and Coffee which has been bringing car enthusiasts together since 2022.*

When Mark first became aware of the Stephens Engineering and Motor Car Works, he was surprised that nobody at the car meet knew about it. Particularly as the company Founder – pioneering engineer Richard Stephens – built the first prototype model for the Stephens car in 1897, on a small production line and with materials all sourced locally.

There are only two surviving early models of this first all British motor car, both of which are still going strong and have participated in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run for several years.

Mark felt compelled to honour this local historic achievement in the car manufacturing industry, and had the idea to create a life sized replica, which was brought to life with the help of fabricator Ryan Atkin, of Lincoln-based Ryan’s Iron. The project was funded by the town, along with donations from the Clevedon Car and Coffee group members.

Mark said: “Upon learning about this local pioneer and the firm roots that Clevedon had in the car manufacturing industry, I knew I had to do something to ensure this piece of history was persevered for the town. It’s something we should all be immensely proud of as Clevedon residents, not just as car enthusiasts. I decided to craft a full size replica of the Stephens car to act as a visual reminder of our heritage.

“Clevedon is a harsh seaside environment for any steel sculpture to endure. Plus, as the project was funded by local townspeople it was vitally important that the money was used wisely and that the finished sculpture was adequately protected from the elements and preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.

“Galvanizing was the obvious choice in the protective finish stage and the team at Humber Galvanizing never disappoint in providing their expert advice and a high quality protective finish. I’m honoured to have been entrusted with the creation of this sculpture which now takes pride of place in the town.”

The sculpture is located on a roundabout on the Severn Estuary. After galvanizing, the piece was coloured Great Western Railway (GWR) Brown by Amitec in Kingston Seymour, who highly recommend the hot-dip process prior to final coating.

Tony Linsley, Sales Manager at Humber Galvanizing, added: “This piece of British heritage is extremely important to the residents of Clevedon, and we’re pleased to have been a part of such an exciting project. The galvanized finish we’ve applied will protect the sculpture from the elements for many years to come and ensure future generations can enjoy this impressive full scale model of the Stephens car whilst learning about their roots.”

Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd is the largest hot-dip galvanizing organisation in the UK with a history dating back over 155 years. With 14 plants strategically placed across the country, the firm offers a truly national galvanizing service. For further information, please contact Wedge Group Galvanizing on 01902 601944 or visit www.wedge-galv.co.uk.

*| Clevedon Cars & Coffee | https://www.facebook.com/groups/clevedoncarsandcoffee

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