Last updated 09:23, Friday, 02 May 2008

I WRITE regarding your article of motoring history regarding the 1902 Peugeot numbered AO 1 (The Cumberland News, April 4).

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As the owner of a second veteran car carrying an AO registration number I am able to offer a further little information.

The picture showing the car with a lady driver (whom I am unable to identify) hung in our local licensing office at 18 Portland Square, Carlisle for many years where, being involved in the motor trade, I was a regular visitor.

Almost out of sight, but alongside in the same picture is a second veteran car – my former 1904 Darracq numbered AO 69 which I acquired from Cumberland motoring pioneer Edwin Quirk of Keswick 40 years ago.

I was fortunate then to obtain a second veteran car and the Darracq passed to Ola J Borge in Norway. Regulations decreed that the number would have been lost with its move overseas, so I transferred it to my second car where it remains today on my 1904 veteran Century.

Being a Cumbrian I was anxious that the number remained here in the county and fortunately still able to participate on veteran car events including, for many years, the famous London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

R GOWAN COULTHARD
Past chairman, north west section
Veteran Car Club
The Ghyll
Maryport