DW 29 Newport (MON) Registration.

THE CAR American Oldsmobile with detachable Tonneau, single cylinder 9hp (UK), 10hp (USA), motor situated under the front seats, 2 forward gears & reverse. The model was introduced for the 1905 season, as an interim model for the European Market, hence 'dummy' bonnet. It had the running gear of the famous 'Curved Dash Runabout'. Oldsmobile's were distributed in the UK by Chas. Jarrott & Letts Ltd., of Great Marlborough St. London.W. ( Jarrott being a famous Race Driver of the Day!)

THE OWNER Mr. William Watkins of 'Peringa' 46 Summer Hill, Newport.
The house still exists, with the name still just visible on the pillar of the entrance, albeit derelict, burnt out & boarded up. Now known as 41 Summer Hill Avenue.

THE OCCUPANTS From the recently released 1901 Census, we may be reasonably certain that at the wheel is Edith (age 29), by her side brother William (age 25), in the tonneau, their Mother Matilda (a Widow) & from the nautical headgear & close resemblance to William, perhaps a seafaring uncle on shore leave from Newport Docks. Maybe the slightly disgruntled chap is the chauffeur having to stand down & 'know his place' whilst the New Family Automobile is preserved for posterity. (Mainly fact, with a little assumption and/or imagination!)

WHAT WE OFFER

Usually our checks involve the Car identity only and whilst the example shown goes well beyond that, you never know what the enquiry can lead to. Little, nothing or maybe more than you expected.

Initially we provide a "free" basic visual check and report.

If you require more, from researching records, then we make a very competitive charge of £10 per hour, plus any expenses incurred. There is no guarantee of "answers", all we can do is our best from the leads and sources available.