Visitors to the Willbore Engineering Company at East-the-Water, Bideford, could be forgiven for thinking that the clock has been turned back over 40 years.

First thing to catch the eye is the massive gleaming bonnet of a 1931 Delage, one time aristocrat of French motoring, parked outside the main entrance.

Proud owner of the vehicle is Mr John Boyd, of North Saltern, Old Barnstaple Road, Bideford, who is the owner of the Willbore company.

Inside the workshop there is another sight to gladden the heart of any motoring enthusiast.

Mr Cyril Davis, of Morwenna Park, Northam, has come out of retirement especially to rebuild a 1931 two-litre super-charged Lagonda which is also owned by Mr Boyd.

For enthusiasts of two-wheeled transport there is a remarkably well preserved BSA motorcycle.

Mr Boyd has long been an enthusiast of vintage machinery and is a member of the Delage and Vintage Sports car clubs. He bought the Lagonda from the son of former Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Reg Maudling.

Gazette article dated 25 January 1974