Wigan Album

Harry Williams Ford Garage, it didn't matter whether you required a spare part for a Fordson Major tractor, a Thames Trader lorry, a Ford popular or anything else with a Ford badge attached they had it in stock, amazing.

Too many models to stock every part today, I suspect.

Howard, I suspect you are right about that, also--- modern vehicle don't require parts like the old ones did. Now days if a part is required it is ordered and delivered overnight from a central store, garages no longer store parts - far too many.

I bought my brand new Ford Cortina 1600GT car from there Yellow with a black vinyl roof in 1971 Reg NJP 163K. I had the receipt for years I think it cost £1,300 or thereabouts. Happy Days

Yes Ron, Cortina mk3 Daytona yellow with black vinyl roof, stunning car.

Garry I had plenty of money in those days even with saving up to get married I paid cash for it Thanks to Plessey's working night turn for two years.. I think when I sold it I cant remember why ??? it had only done 16,000miles.
Of all the cars I have, had including this one and an Austin Healy Sprite I regret I haven't got any photographs of any of the cars, just memories..

Williams or Timberlake's, Shell or Esso Happy Days.

Remember the ads, Be sure of Shell!
Bum bum bum bum esso blue.

Is that the New Star Inn to the right of the pic?

Yes it is The New Star Inn

Garry.Remember the Esso sign means happy motoring call at the Esso sign, and put a tiger in your tank. Don't forget the tiger tail tied round the fuel filler cap.

It looked so much bigger when I started there in 1968 as an apprentice ,happy happy days and what smashing cars we had to work with , my favourite at the time was the Cortina 1600E

Remember working there in the body shop they were happy uncomplicated days. The nearest pub to the work shops was the Buck in Vine on Clayton Street.

amazing photo great memories of visiting this place in the 70s and early 80s drooling over 3 litre capris and anything with a ghia badge!

Started as an apprentice mechanic in the car shop 1966 . Great place with some amazing characters . Dougie Williams Bob Marsden , Ken Daley Jimmy Conboy Dave Tickle Bill Francis and my mates Tony Marsden and Ian Kendrick , not forgetting Big Ron Adamson and Eddie Arrowsmith Great Guys who had a big influence on my life . Did 50 Years in the motor trade . Great days and I Think I remember you Allen Thompson ,the name rings a bell .Oh! And we had a tea lady named Mary !! Magic!!!!

Carlo, didn't you work in reception for a time ? Seem to remember you too. Forgot to mention some other chaps in the car shop , John Yates and Billy Robinson , they used to walk about shouting Brother to each other although they weren't related! Lots of people I remember , could go on for ever.Best wishes to all who were there mid sixties to 1970 Cheers All. Brian

Carlo, didn't you work in reception for a time ? Seem to remember you too. Forgot to mention some other chaps in the car shop , John Yates and Billy Robinson , they used to walk about shouting Brother to each other although they weren't related! Lots of people I remember , could go on for ever.Best wishes to all who were there mid sixties to 1970 Cheers All. Brian

I worked there from leaving school in 1969 until I left in 1978 .I worked in the parts department being responsible for helping to keep all the cars and commercial vehicles on the road .I remember all the names mentioned and others like Kevin Lawrence , Derek Longhurst ,Gerry Greenacre , Stephen Aindow ,Fred Alker , Mr Waterworth ( the boss ) great place to work with many fond memories .

Yes I worked in car spray paint shop , with the rigby brothers jimmy & Harry & Malc peoples , John liptrot , served my apprenticeship there , my dad jack green also worked in stores

Does anybody remember my Dad, Des Harris and my Mum Barbara Miller/Wild. Worked there around 1968/69

Ron, we must have had similar tastes. I traded in my Triumph Spitfire around the same time for a new Ford Capri, also yellow with black vinyl roof, that would probably have been 1972, I think the price was around £1,300.00. Sold it for a song in 1974 to put a deposit on our first house in Shevington.
Very envious that you had a Austin Healy Sprite, think I would almost have sold my soul to have had one, it oozed beautiful classic design and quality.

Colin I spoiled the Sprite... I had an ASHLEY HARD top fitted. It was made to be removed but I never got round to ever removing it and putting the soft top back on.. ALSO I was really stupid "Too much money and not enough sense" I had it resprayed AUBERGINE which was in the "IN" colour at that time ( It was even the colour of my wedding suit...) When I came to sell it. People kept asking why I had had it resprayed from RED to AUBERGINE? They thought it had been in an accident which it hadn't I had a hell of job trying to sell it.. Must say re. the Sprite. When I had taken all Sunday afternoon to clean it, including the wire wheels. Which took ages to clean. It looked SUPERB A real 'BABE MAGNET' LOL...Happy Days

Can anyone remember the name of the young Salesman? He was a real Ladies man. He was well know around the 'Upper Class girls" of the town but for the life of me I can't remember his name

Ron yet again we must be similar, I had my dark green Spitfire sprayed Chinese Yellow, it was a real head turner.
I have a picture somewhere of me posing in front with white leather driving gloves on. What a plonker!

Just heard of the passing of Bill Francis whom I worked along side in the car shop 66-69.A great character and Wigan Rugby League player Shocked and saddened .
Always remember the foreman think it was Eddie Pennington shouting for Bill ,where is he and how's he getting on with that Cortina ?They found him asleep on a creeper board under said vehicle...haha
Cracking bloke RIP Bill xx

Hello Lynn, I recall your dad's name but for the life of me I can't picture his face .
Can't recall your mum though ,if she worked over in sales or accounts I probably never met her .
Regarding your dad ,did you know which department he worked in ?
Regards Bri.x