In May 1961, Stephen Weld, bought a pre-war Crossley 2 Litre Sports Tourer car for £150.
For the young Army officer, newly-graduated from The Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, it cost approximately half a year’s salary.
But for the now retired Lieutenant Colonel, it is undoubtedly the best purchase he has ever made.
This month, Mr Weld celebrated 60 years as owner of one of the world’s rarest cars.
Only two remain on the road and the other is in New Zealand.
One of only two in the world still on the road – Stephen Weld with his Crossley 2 Litre Sports Tourer
The stylish sports car, with its top speed of 80 mph, has taken him on 300,000 miles of travels and adventures in the UK and across Europe.
The elegant navy blue coach-built fabric-bodied vehicle, has sleek lines, sparkling chrome and distinctive headlights.
It was manufactured in Manchester by Crossley Motors in 1931.
Some 30 years and almost 200,000 miles later, Mr Weld bought it while based at Chatham in Kent.
He said:
“It was in roadworthy condition, but in need of some attention and over time I maintained and refurbished it.”
Mr Weld, who served with the Royal Engineers, told the Stray Ferret:
“I estimate that it has clocked up around half a million miles over 90 years and it’s still going like a dream.
“Its six-cylinder engine sounds to me like a sweet melody.”
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The Crossley Motor Company
Founded in 1867, by brothers Francis and William Crossley, the car company started life as an engineering business.
It became famous for its internal combustion engines.
These were supplied to some of the early motor manufacturers.
In 1904 Crossley Motors was founded as a separate entity and started making its own vehicles.
During World War I they were major suppliers of cars and light trucks to the Royal Flying Corps.
Whenever possible Mr Weld took the Crossley on overseas postings, including two tours of duty in Germany.
He intended to take the car to Malaysia and made arrangements to have it shipped to the Far East.
But he had to change his plans when told his posting would also take him to the roadless jungles of Borneo.
He said:
“Fortunately, I had a good contact at the Beaulieu National Motor Museum.
“They very kindly took the Crossley and had it on display for two and a half years.”
Mr Weld, added:
“While it was at the museum, it was one of ten vehicles featured in an Observer colour supplement article about the evolution of the motor car.
“The Crossley was selected by Lord Montagu, as an example of motoring in the 1930s”
Many memorable long-haul journeys, saw Mr Weld and friends travel all over Europe, including a hairy drive through the Alps on a trip to Italy.
He said:
“There was a bit of a problem when the brakes started to fade, while I was heading down hill!”
Now, his journeys take in the gentler hills, moors and dales, near his Ripon home.
Mr Weld and his Crossley, with hood down, is still turning heads with his magnificent machine.
On sunny days, the melodic sound of its engine rises to a symphony, with car, man and Yorkshire countryside in perfect harmony.
