Nearly 700 of them rolled off the production line in Wolverhampton in the 1950s and 60s, and this weekend a handful of surviving Turner sports cars will be making tracks to Bantock House Museum.

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The vintage vehicles will be pulling up at the popular attraction on Sunday (23 August, 2015) for an annual rally celebrating the heritage of a marque renowned for its great handling both on the road and the race track.

The last production cars made in Wolverhampton, around 670 Turners were built by Jack Turner (1916 to 2011). He initially created a few bespoke chassis at his family home before opening a factory in Merridale Street around 1953 which moved to Pendeford Aerodrome 3 years later. Production continued until early 1966 when the factory doors closed for the last time.

Turner sports cars picked up a number of prizes in motorsport competitions over the years, and were well known to 'surprise' the better known cars such as Lotus, MG and Healey, both on the race track and the road.

Brian Shaw, who is organising Sunday's rally, said: "We have been coming to Bantock House Museum since 2005. Each year we meet many local people interested in the history of Turner sports cars, as well as a number of former employees of the company living in and around Wolverhampton.

"It still amazes me how many people are not aware that these fabulous vehicles were built locally."

The rally takes place from 10am to 4pm and, as well as the chance to see the vehicles themselves, visitors can also see a display about the history of the company put together by Mr Shaw, and a film show compiled by former employee Ken Robbins.

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "We're delighted to welcome the Turner sports car enthusiasts back to Bantock House Museum for the 10th year running.

"This is a great chance for visitors to find out more about an historic Wolverhampton company which had a major part to play in our city's proud manufacturing past."

  • released: Tuesday 18 August, 2015