Originally built by Welsh miners who had contracted lung disease as a result of a lifetime of working in coal mines, the impact of these little Austins is far greater than anyone could ever have imagined.
More than 70 years after the first Austin production model rolled out of the factory in 1949, this little pedal car is more popular than ever. This is testimony to the thoughtful work done by designer Jim Blaikie to make the J40 an icon. This was all done in the utmost secrecy with his team at the workshop in Longbridge.
In recent years, interest in the Austin J40 has soared with the annual Settrington Cup race for the cars at the Goodwood Revival.
Austin Pedal Cars is known for producing new parts for the classic J40 even today. They also take care of restoring and selling J40s around the world.
At the 2023 Goodwood Revival, they launched a handsome J40 Continuation Car. The Continuation model is a modern interpretation of the original pedal car. It has been designed and built using the latest technology, while the look remains true to the classic original.
Austin Pedal Cars commissioned David Whyley to write this comprehensive history book on their behalf, bringing to light new information, stories and photos to tell the full story of this important Austin car.
This lavishly illustrated book, with meticulous research and numerous never-before-published archival photographs and documents, offers the definitive story of Austin’s little Pathfinder, based on the 1930s Austin racers, and its successor the J40. For many fans of the British car industry, the story of the J40 is an unknown chapter of British automotive history. This book reveals how many of the industry’s designers learnt their trade at the J40 factory, before making a name for themselves in the years that followed.
Highlights of the book
- Sumptuous production, large format and extensively illustrated with more than 1,000 photographs including previously unpublished archive images and documents. Also included are specially commissioned studio photographs of important J40s and Pathfinders today.
- Engaging text by Austin J40 expert Dr David Whyley.
- Tables with production data and specifications.
- Numerous interviews with people who were involved in the design and production of the pedal cars. Owners talking who have enjoyed using and restoring J40s and Pathfinders over the years.
- Extensive chapters on the origins and design of the cars, the background of the Bargoed factory and its employees. Racing J40s and the use of the cars in road safety campaigns around the world. J40s on screen and in advertising, and the rebirth of Austin Pedal Cars today.
- It tells the unknown chapter of the British car industry, with new facts and details about the Austin factory in the South Wales town of Bargoed.
About the author
Dr David Whyley is recognised as the world’s leading authority on Austin pedal cars. He lived near the former Longbridge factory and had close relatives who worked there. As a result, he developed a fascination with Austin cars from an early age. In the mid-1990s, David was lucky enough to meet and interview key members of the Austin pedal car team. This sparked his interest in the story of the cars even more. After years of research, he has built up an unrivalled Austin pedal car archive. His previous book on Austin pedal cars is highly sought after. He has also written a number of books on Austin Counties cars, including the A40 Dorset, Devon and Somerset models, from 1945-54 and writes regularly for the Austin Counties Car Club magazine. David has owned and restored several classic Austins and is a recognised expert and consultant on the rare Austin A40 Sports and Austin Atlantic Convertible, both contemporary vehicles of the Austin J40 and Pathfinder pedal cars.
Porter Press International is known for publishing top-quality motorbike books. Founded in 2005 by acclaimed author Philip Porter, the company is now an established name worldwide as a leading publisher of motoring books.
The book comes out in several editions whose ISBN numbers can be found below.
978-1-913089-28-3 (classic edition) – recommended retail price £85
978-1-913089-99-3 (Collector’s Edition – limited to 100 copies) – Direct sales only RRP £145
978-1-913089-00-9 (Heritage Edition) – Direct sales only RRP £2,500
First published in September 2023 by Porter Press International
Bound, 488 pages, 280×220 mm, over 1,000 illustrations
More info on the Porter Press website.