TL 6200 a journey back in time!
Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2019 9:47 am
Those of you who read my article in the club magazine a couple of years ago may recall that my 12 Tourer was once owned by Rover main agent and Rally Driver, WP Maidens of Sleaford. This coming weekend I’m planning to attend the Mid-Lincs Rover Cub event at East Kirkby and, as we will be there for several days, will include a visit to Sleaford. Sadly, the former garage and showroom occupied by WP Maidens is now, I believe, a betting shop and the street outside has been pedestrianised so a photo opportunity out front might be difficult!
However, it will be great to take the old girl home. The car has been in my family for over 60 years and I’m certain it hasn’t been back during that time and I’m hopeful that a visitor or two to East Kirkby might remember or know of my car from the 40s or 50s so I can fill the gaps in it’s history. It once belonged to a Squadron Leader I’m told, so what better place to take it than a WW2 airfield complete with working Lancaster bomber? Just as exciting will be the drive there from Colchester in Essex; a journey of around 130 miles each way plus all that we do once in Lincolnshire. This will be the furthest I have taken the car and, assuming all goes well, I have plans to visit other parts of the country.
WP (Billy) Maidens campaigned TL 6200 between ‘37 and ‘39 in the RAC, Welsh and Scottish rallies, so I have some ground to cover if I want to take in previously visited rally locations! Earlier this year I was fortunate to attend the All Marques rally at Brooklands with Tim Dines and the Surrey RSR group, which was brilliant and, as its 80 years since Maidens competed and won in the JCC two lap trial, great to get a picture of my car on the banked circuit and going up the Test Hill. I did cheat on that occasion and trailer the car there; I just couldn’t see any fun in battling the A12 and M25 in an 82 year old car. I just hope that the more sedate roads to Sleaford are not too taxing. Watch this space!
Tony.
However, it will be great to take the old girl home. The car has been in my family for over 60 years and I’m certain it hasn’t been back during that time and I’m hopeful that a visitor or two to East Kirkby might remember or know of my car from the 40s or 50s so I can fill the gaps in it’s history. It once belonged to a Squadron Leader I’m told, so what better place to take it than a WW2 airfield complete with working Lancaster bomber? Just as exciting will be the drive there from Colchester in Essex; a journey of around 130 miles each way plus all that we do once in Lincolnshire. This will be the furthest I have taken the car and, assuming all goes well, I have plans to visit other parts of the country.
WP (Billy) Maidens campaigned TL 6200 between ‘37 and ‘39 in the RAC, Welsh and Scottish rallies, so I have some ground to cover if I want to take in previously visited rally locations! Earlier this year I was fortunate to attend the All Marques rally at Brooklands with Tim Dines and the Surrey RSR group, which was brilliant and, as its 80 years since Maidens competed and won in the JCC two lap trial, great to get a picture of my car on the banked circuit and going up the Test Hill. I did cheat on that occasion and trailer the car there; I just couldn’t see any fun in battling the A12 and M25 in an 82 year old car. I just hope that the more sedate roads to Sleaford are not too taxing. Watch this space!
Tony.