In the first half of the 20th century, Wolverhampton prospered and grew because of its successful manufacturing industries, many of which were involved in the production of powered vehicles, either as a vehicle manufacturer, or as a supplier of components. Many thousands of people worked in the industry, which dominated much of the old town. The majority of the vehicles built in the Black Country were produced here, and the world's first motorist was driving daily, to and from work, in Wolverhampton, in 1884.

Sadly, most of the manufacturers disappeared as a result of the recession in the 1930s, but the industry didn't altogether disappear. In the 1950s, sports cars became fashionable, and so Swallow sports cars appeared in Walsall, and Turner Sports Cars went into production in Wolverhampton, followed by Frisky.

Jack Turner, who founded the Turner company, worked for several years as a sports car specialist at the Old Smithy in Seisdon, before deciding to manufacture his own cars. He began producing Turner sports cars in a small factory in Merridale Street, Wolverhampton, in 1955, but soon moved to a larger building at Wolverhampton's Municipal Airport at Pendeford, where several models were produced.

Manufacturing continued until March 1966 when Jack decided to call it a day, due to ill health. Between 1955 and the end of production, between 650 and 700 sports cars were built.

Every August the cars are remembered at the Turner Wolverhampton Reunion that is held at Bantock House, and organised by Brian Shaw. This is the only annual event held in Wolverhampton that celebrates the once important vehicle manufacturing industry. There were three Turner sports cars at the event, which was held on a fine sunny morning and afternoon. The event introduced Turner sports cars to some of the visitors, and was of great interest to others who were already familiar with the cars, which were as follows:

Owner	Car type	Year	Registration No.
Derek Bentley	Mk 1 BMC	1960	2 RTD
David Norsworthy	Mk 1 Ford, 1600cc.	1960	9551 RE
Ken Robbins	950S BMC	1959	9 NPC