The annual Turner Sports Car Rally was held at Bantock Park, Wolverhampton on Sunday 19th August, 2012.

A good selection of cars were on display, covering most of Turner’s production years, ranging from two of the earlier models to two of the later models. The cars were built by Turner Sports Cars (Wolverhampton) Limited over a period just exceeding ten years, beginning in 1955, and ending in January 1966. The company was founded by Welsh engineer and racing enthusiast, Jack Turner, who sadly died last year. The cars were built in a wartime pre-fabricated building, overlooking Wolverhampton’s Municipal Airport at Pendeford. It is thought that between 650 and 700 Turner sports cars were built. They were the last production cars made in Wolverhampton.

The cars and their owners are as follows:
Owner Car type Year Registration No.
Roy Beasley MKI BMC 1960 922 XUL
John Cullis MKIII 1964 BAX 500B
Russell Filby 950S 1959 111 8RE
Ray Jones MKII BMC 1961 PBF 570
Ken Robbins 950S BMC 1959 9 NPC
Brian Shaw MKIII Ford, 1500c.c. 1966 GOK 444D
Nigel Taylor MKI BMC 1960 700 AOV
Ron Taylor MKII Ford   220 WMA
The cars came from as far afield as Nailsea in Somerset, and Milton Keynes. There was one newcomer to the event, Russell Filby's immaculate 950S.


Visitors admiring the cars.
One of the many visitors was ex-Turner employee Ron Jones who is 86 years old. Ron came to Wolverhampton from Chirk and was given a job at the factory. He worked for the company from 1959 until 1964, and greatly enjoyed seeing the old cars again. At the factory he built the fibreglass bodies, and later made some of the moulds.


Ron Jones and Ken Robbins' 950S.


Ray Jones' MKII BMC.


Brian Shaw's MKIII Ford.


John Cullis's MKIII.


Roy Beasley's MKI BMC.


Russell Filby's 950S.


Nigel Taylor's MKI BMC.


Ron Taylor's MKII Ford.


Another view of Ken Robbins' 950S.


Another view of John Cullis's MKIII.


Another view of Roy Beasley's MKI.


Ron Jones looks through Ken Robbins' Turner photo album.
Brian Shaw had several indoor displays, including a history of the company, and details of the racing successes of some of the cars. He also showed a number of old films featuring the cars in action.

The car owners and visitors enjoyed the attractions at the house including the excellent café. As usual it was an enjoyable day, with much to see and talk about.


The cars alongside Bantock House.


Some of the visitors.


Brian Shaw's and Russell Filby's cars.
Thanks must go to Brian Shaw who organised the event, and as usual put on an excellent indoor display.
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