A full-scale model of an historic car has received special treatment from a Hull firm to ensure it is preserved and can be enjoyed by generations to come.
The replica was designed by American-born filmmaker Mark Reber, founder of Clevedon Cars and Coffee, on the North Somerset coast, which has been bringing car enthusiasts together since 2022. The full-size model commemorates the Stephens, the very first entirely British designed and built motor car (in a series), manufactured 127 years ago.
It has been protected from the elements by Humber Galvanizing, part of Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd. The company has previously offered its services to protect a huge sculpture of a dragon and in the past has dipped a life-size steel Swaledale ram and two ewes, for Holderness-born sculptor Emma Stothard, for a garden entry at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
When Mark first became aware of the links to Stephens Engineering and Motor Car Works, he was surprised that nobody at his car meet knew anything about it. Pioneering engineer Richard Stephens built the first prototype model for the Stephens car in 1897, on a small production line and with materials all sourced locally.
There are only two surviving early models of this first all-British motor car, both of which are still going strong and have participated in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run for several years. Mark felt compelled to honour this local historic achievement in the car manufacturing industry.
He had the idea to create a life-sized replica, which was brought to life with the help of fabricator Ryan Atkin, of Lincoln-based Ryan’s Iron. The project was funded by the town, along with donations from the Clevedon Car and Coffee group members.
Mark said: “Upon learning about this local pioneer and the firm roots that Clevedon had in the car manufacturing industry, I knew I had to do something to ensure this piece of history was preserved for the town. It’s something we should all be immensely proud of as Clevedon residents, not just as car enthusiasts.
“I decided to craft a full-size replica of the Stephens car to act as a visual reminder of our heritage.” He added: “Clevedon is a harsh seaside environment for any steel sculpture to endure; plus, as the project was funded by local townspeople, it was vitally important that the money was used wisely and that the finished sculpture was adequately protected from the elements and preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.
(Image: wedge-galv.co.uk)
“Galvanizing was the obvious choice in the protective finish stage and the team at Humber Galvanizing never disappoint in providing their expert advice and a high quality protective finish. I’m honoured to have been entrusted with the creation of this sculpture, which now takes pride of place in the town.”
The galvanizing process required quickly coating the hollow round-section bends, and various thicknesses of the solid sections and plate of the sculpture, so that the replica would not distort and buckle between the hot dipped lower portions and the cool upper sections still waiting to be safely submerged in the molten zinc. After galvanizing, the piece was coloured Great Western Railway (GWR) Brown by Amitec in Kingston Seymour.
Tony Linsley, sales manager at Humber Galvanizing, said: “This piece of British heritage is extremely important to the residents of Clevedon, and we’re pleased to have been a part of such an exciting project. The galvanized finish we’ve applied will protect the sculpture from the elements for many years to come and ensure future generations can enjoy this impressive full-scale model of the Stephens car, while learning about their roots.”
Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd is the largest hot-dip galvanizing organisation in the UK with a history dating back over 155 years. It has 14 plants strategically placed across the country.
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