‘Incredible heritage’ of former Austin pedal cars factory remembered as memorial unveiled

Between 1949 and 1971, more than 32,000 Austin pedal cars were produced in Tir y Berth.

Now, more than half a century after production stopped, a blue plaque has been unveiled to commemorate the iconic childrens’ toys.

While the former Austin factory no longer stands, the plaque is now in place at the nearby Tir y Berth Primary School.

It was officially unveiled by Mike Sheehan, the first trainee manager at the site and David Hook, the longest serving and last employee at the factory.

They were joined by Bargoed mayor Howard Llewellyn, Caerphilly Council deputy leader Jamie Pritchard, and Jamie Burnett of Austin Pedal Cars. They were also joined by author and historian David Whyley, who is an Austin J40 expert.

Other special guests at the unveiling event included Tony Osbourne, the last factory key holder, office secretary Margaret Fuller, factory nurse Gwyn Palmer, press shop foreman Tudor Owen, and tool repairer Alan Esau.

Two special Austin pedal cars were also displayed to mark the event. One was a Pathfinder, which was driven to the entrance of the brand new Austin factory in 1949 by then-five-year-old Paul Matthews, who then handed the scissors to the Chairman of Gelligaer Urban Council for the official opening 76 years ago.

The other was the last J40 to be pedalled off the production line in 1971.

‘Fitting tribute’

“The unveiling of this blue plaque is a fitting tribute to the incredible heritage of the Austin pedal cars factory and its lasting impact on the local community,” said Cllr Pritchard.

“For decades, this factory was not just a place of innovative manufacturing, but a source of pride and opportunity for local families.”

He continued: “Celebrating this legacy reminds us of our rich industrial history and the importance of preserving it for future generations. We are honoured to recognise the factory’s role in shaping both the local economy and the childhoods of so many.”

Jamie Burnett, director of Austin Pedal Cars – which funded the plaque – described the unveiling as a “proud moment” and said: “The coveted blue plaque honours the history of the Austin pedal car and the vital role the factory played in the community of Bargoed and the wider British motor industry.

“Now it will be forever remembered by the local community and visitors alike.

“My thanks go to David Whyley for his tireless dedication to the Austin pedal cars legacy and for his work to officially recognise this historic site.“

History

Originally called the Austin Junior Car Factory, the company was initially created to provide employment for disabled ex-miners who had developed respiratory illnesses.

The factory, which was known as the Bargoed factory despite being in Tir y Berth, trained many Austin employees in car production before they moved on to build full size Austin cars.

Austin’s pedal car started off as a ‘little idea’ in the mind of then-Austin chairman Leonard Lord.

Every J40 pedal car was made in the same way as the full-size Austin cars. They even had similar features, including working headlights and horn, detachable wheels with Dunlop tyres, vinyl seats and an opening bonnet and boot.

In total, 32,098 pedal cars were produced at the factory before production ended in 1971.

However, car parts continued being produced on the site until it finally closed its doors in 1999.

The factory was demolished in the early-2000s.