PAST IMPERFECT:The Wonder books filled many a child's imaginary world back in the middle of the last century
NOSTALGIA CAN be so powerful, and rarely more so, I suspect, than when it recalls moments and pleasures from one's childhood. Many of us can recall the thrill of reading the latest Eagle annual or perhaps the latest Wonder book. These were produced on aviation and motoring more or less every couple of years from the early part of the last century into at least the end of the 1950s. I've just been looking over The Wonder Book of Motors - The Romance of the Road published in 1947.
It's a wonderful collection of articles, photographs and illustrations (the frontispiece is a superb painting by the renowned motoring artist F Gordon Crosby). All of the nearly 300 photographs are reproduced in either a green or brown sepia effect and add considerably to the period "feel" of the book, as well as eight magnificent colour plates, and - a trademark of the Wonder books - humorous 'before and after' drawings on the end papers.
But it's the contents that are so fascinating from our 21st century perspective. Articles titled The Other Side of the Hill, What to see in Roadside Churches and Looking for the Old Bridges speak eloquently of a time when motoring was an expression of freedom to travel and explore the countryside.
It's a theme that runs right through the books, though in this case one wonders how real it was, as in 1947 Britain was still subject to petrol rationing, and the few cars that were available were as often as not survivors from the pre-war period. Perhaps the reality for most people is better reflected in another article titled Motors for All: The Friendly Omnibus in Town and Countryside.
Semi-technical articles include The Principles of the Motor Engine and The Car on the Road: Clutch, Gears, Transmission and Lighting - all pretty simple stuff and aimed at a readership with only a minimal understanding of the technicalities of cars and motoring.
Neither is sport omitted and there are excellent pieces on motorcycling and the art of driving. But it's the articles on exploring in Britain and further a field that really bring these books alive. Through Africa by Motor: My Adventurous Journey from Cape Town to Cairo by the wonderfully named Major C Court Treatt is a short account of what was still in 1946 an extremely difficult and hazardous journey which had been made by very few motors cars.
The cars of 1947 were also given ample space although one can't help but feel that the articles and pictures of the new cars are somewhat voyeuristic as so few could afford them.
Nevertheless, the list of cars portrayed is like a check-list of lost makes: Sunbeam Talbot Ten, Hispano-Suiza Sportsman's Coupe, Armstrong Siddeley 25 hp Atlanta Saloon, Delage Delta 70, BSA Scout Coupe, Hudson Eight Convertible Foursome Coupé and Terraplane 6 Standard Saloon - I could go on and on, but I'm sure you get the idea.
These Wonder books are easy to find at jumble sales and book fairs and are usually modestly priced and well worth seeking out. They provide an unique window on a world of motoring that has gone forever as well as an insight into motoring mores that tend not to be found in most motoring histories.
Most of all, however, if you are lucky enough to find one, just wonder at the world of motoring we've left behind. Past Imperfect indeed.