Your first car memories

Members of the BFP’s We Grew Up in Wycombe Facebook group shared memories and photos of their first cars in the group – with some funny and fond recollections.

Minis and Fords were a popular choice, with Phil Laybourne saying his first car was a 1973 Ford Capri 1600 GT MKI in green with a vinyl roof, while Martyn Lewis got a Ford Anglia for £20 in 1974.

He said: “I went from Wycombe to Southend-on-Sea and bought it from my uncle.”

Bobbie Gristwood said she got a dark green Ford Escort that she named Dolly, while Anne Rixon shared a photo of herself next to her first Mini, which she described as a “real rust bucket”.

Bobbie Gristwood with her Dark green Ford Escort she named Dolly

She said: “My first Mini, a real rust bucket called ‘Barberella’.

“[I have] Fond memories of passing my test in this. I did have it sprayed with a racing stripe.

“It died of rust eventually.”

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She added: “I found those old minis were great in the snow. Just dreaded those cold mornings when the locks froze up and the battery went flat, not easy getting those out of the boot.

“I put mine on charge overnight and my Dad carried it up the path for me - happy days.”

Alec Brooks also shared a picture of herself next to her second Mini, taken in 1971.

Anne Rixon with her 'rust bucket'

She said: “It was registered in 1959. All Minis after 1960 had Austin/Morris Mini on the boot lid.

“This one had Austin Seven on the boot lid. It was one of the first produced, I loved it.”

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Huw Devey’s first car was a Fiat 500 “with the power of a lawn mower”.

He said: “If we had four people squashed in, then two would have to get out when we came to a steep hill.

“I was so proud of it though, very cosy when it came to girlfriends!”

Deb Keegan had a red MK1 Golf, describing it as an “amazing car until someone drove into it – that was that”.

Alec Brooks with her second Mini in 1971

She added: “The smell it was like a new car smell, of warm plastic and seat material. In fact, we have just got a new VW and the smell took me right back. My MK1 was nowhere near new but was debt free and amazing, same smell.”

Joany Aldridge Gilbert had an MK2 Cortina, while Brian Loxley got a Saab 96, saying he was pulled over for “coasting down New Road and was able to prove that it was part of the car”.

Robert Yandell had a White Triumph Herald Convertible, Keith Parker got a VW Beetle 6 Volt and Julie Kidby’s first car was a Datsun Sunny.

To join the group, search We Grew Up in Wycombe on Facebook or visit www.facebook.com/groups/688327338498744.