A CAR collector who bought a 90-year-old vintage vehicle which has its origins in Oswestry and appeared in Dad's Army paid a visit to the town with his family.

Manchester driving instructor, Carl Slater, came down to Arthurs Motor Group Vauxhall dealership in Lower Brook Street in the 1933 Austin 10/4 saloon car after having reached out to managing director, Nigel Williams to learn more about its origins.

The premises used to be owned by EJ Gittins before it was purchased by Mr Wiiliams' father Ron, and it was from there the car was sold to Elizabeth Jane from Pen-y-cae Cottage in 1933.

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The car appeared in the Dad's Army film starring Bill Nighy and Catherine Zeta-Jones and Mr Slater spoke about bringing the car 'home' to Oswestry.

Border Counties Advertizer: The car was bought from EJ Gittins in 1933.The car was bought from EJ Gittins in 1933. (Image: Victoria Rees-Francis)

He said: "It is quite nostalgic.

"It is quite nice, especially coming through town and seeing all the buildings.

"I said what is it like to be home when passing through."

Border Counties Advertizer: The car was bought by Mr Slater last year.The car was bought by Mr Slater last year. (Image: Victoria Rees-Francis)

Mr Slater spoke about what motivated him to buy the vehicle.

He said: "I have always been into classic and vintage cars.

"I saw this advertised on the Facebook marketplace.

"I already had an Austin 7.

"I took one look at the photographs.

"The advertiser said it had been in Dad's Army, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Bill Nighy sat in it.

Border Counties Advertizer: The car was used in the most recent Dad's Army.The car was used in the most recent Dad's Army. (Image: Victoria Rees-Francis)

"We went to Wakefield to look at it.

"And as soon as I looked at it I decided I was having it."

Mr Slater said he didn't need to do much work to the vehicle after driving it back to his home near Manchester from Wakefield.

Border Counties Advertizer: The car was first owned by Elizabeth Jane.The car was first owned by Elizabeth Jane. (Image: Victoria Rees-Francis)

The car stayed with Elizabeth Jane's cousins, the Wright brothers until they fell out and the car ended upside down in a field.

The car was then bought by the father of Rupert Bevan, but Rupert crashed the vehicle into a cattle truck on his first solo drive.


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Arthurs Motor Group was delighted to welcome Mr Slater and his family with the vehicle.

Group marketing manager, Victoria Rees-Francis said: "We were overjoyed to have a brief visit from the Austin 10. 

"It was a pleasure to welcome and meet Mr and Mrs Slater, and their family to our dealership.

"We are delighted to share some of the photos and videos that we took of this beautiful car and its exquisite details."