Vehicle recovery is as old as the car itself although a recovery back then, was most likely to have been done with the aid of a horse. Many of the first garages and automobile coachworks, emerged from the blacksmith’s and bicycle trades and automatically took to recovering their customer disabled vehicles. What many people may not appreciate however, is that the expression 'Recovery' only started to be used generally just prior to the second world war. Initially the more common term was 'To Salvage', no doubt linked to maritime practises of the time. Salvaging was very common, because vehicles were very unreliable.
Most motorists were enthusiast and so would often rely on their own ingenuity, to 'get back on the road'. Failing that, they would seek help from any passing motorist, or lastly call on a local garage. Small local 'private' Car Clubs sprung up and some kept a ‘cash kitty’ to assist their stranded members, but that was about as organised as it got for the poor motorist. As the twentieth century got underway however, two motoring clubs would become large enough to have nationwide membership. These were of course The Automobile Association (formed in 1905) and The Royal Automobile Club (formed in 1897 and named royal in 1907).

Description: Black body, bonnet, rear section; yellow ribbed roof; black chassis, mudguards & running boards; black crane and jib with chrome hook; gold 12 spoke wheels; black tyres; gold radiator-grille, windscreen, headlights and side-lamps; tan plastic seats and LHD steering wheel; 'MAPLE WORKS'and 'HIGH RD VANGE ESSEX' on both side panels; 'EST.1919' on both cab doors; 'T.E.THOMAS & SONS' in black inscription on a yellow roof fascia.

Variations: No known variations.

Notes: This model is packaged in a maroon J-type window box.