Wigan Album

Brilliant photo, certainly better then than now. Bring back the old Wigan. Lots of great cars here too, most which would be cherished classics today, probably more looked after now than what they were back then, at a time when cars used to rust like mad; no doubt all the cars here have been scrapped or rusted long ago. I wonder what make that convertible is seen in the middle?, anyone identify it?

I think the pub on the right was The Wheatsheaf. Further to the right was Palatine pop works.

The pub is the Horseshoe as old viwer says in another photo but the pop works was Palatine not Bartons .

I think the sports car is either, a Frog eye, M.G. Midget or an Austin Healy Sprite. I had a later model Sprite,with the 1275 cc engine(wish I still had it) same car different badge

I stand corrected it was Palestine's Pop Merchants. Thanks for that. So it was Davenports the Jewellers. I got a watch there.These photos are great memory joggers.

Brings back memories of the bus doing that tight corner around the Horseshoe Pub, as teenagers we would go to the platform of the bus and as it swung around the corner we would drop off the bus and run like crazy to keep our balance. I think the bus drivers knew what we were doing and used to speed up a lot. Good old days.

I stand corrected Ron,it was Palatines not Barton's. Any idea the year? I thought late 70's early 80's?

Convertable car possibly a Karmann Ghia? (A Beetle in a party frock!)

The cars are all pre 1970, the sports car is the wrong shape for a Karmann Ghia, I can't clearly identify it, it might be a Triumph. Perhaps its on its way to Palastine!

I agree it's the wrong shape for a Karmann Ghia. If anything it's either an MGB/Midget, Austin Healey Sprite, or possibly an MGA 1600.

Owd Viewer - Central station which can be seen in background was demolished in 1973, so photo must be from before then.

I think the car is a Triumph Spitfire, a bit too rounded at the back for a Midget.Great set of photos Brian.

Thanks for that Mick. Does anyone remember Woods Glass Merchant being on same side of Station Rd as Horseshoe? Proberbly between Children's Library & Horseshoe?

Agree also that that car is too rounded for a Midget or even MGB. From looking at the Spitfire, it does appear to look like one, particularly the rear bumper length and the position of the boot latch. Likely either a MK1 2 or 3. Common as muck for the time no doubt and still are because they are still relatively cheap to buy, unlike alot of other classic sportscars which have really sky-rocketed in value, ie the likes of your Austin Healey 3000 and E-Type Jag. Classic cars full of character, individuality and charm, all different in their own way, unlike the modern rubbish we have today that all look the same, and when they break down you can't fix them yourself.

While you're on about cars what about that Vauxhall Victor,can just see back end parked by Horseshoe. Gear change on steering column.Classics now..

Definitely a Triumph Spitfire.

Triumph Spitfire mark II certain, split rear bumper which would be almost useless in rear end shunt.

There could not have been too many Triumph Spitfire Mark II around at that time which was early 1970's.
I had one at that time in Dark Green and as I lived in Douglas House behind the camera I am convinced that that is me off to impress.
Probably on the look out for Irene, Veronica or Maureen waiting for a bus in Station Road!!!!!