Revival’s Settrington Cup carmaker J40 Motor Company finds new owner

New owners of the J40 Motor Company, Burlen Ltd, better known for manufacturing classic car carburettors, has pledged to maintain the supply of spares, and has even set up the first online store where eight-year-olds (or their parents…) everywhere can indulge their passion for their favourite classic car.

It’s good news for the pint-sized (generally 6-10 years old) competitors in the Settrington Cup, the pedal-powered racing that has made the J40 a much-loved part of the Goodwood Revival each year.

All the bits and bobs the dedicated racer might desire, from new pedal rubbers (£9) to bonnet badge (£45) and new rear bumper (£165), are available for them to ensure their pride and joy can be kept at the peak of shiny, race-ready perfection.

Thanks to J40 enthusiast Roy Halford, J40 parts have been available since 1983 when Roy set up the the J40 Motor Company, but this is the first time there’s been an online shop. It follows the acquisition of the company by Salisbury-based Burlen Ltd, sole manufacturer of Amal, SU and Zenith carburettors. Burlen is promising that J40 parts will continue to be manufactured in-house, using traditional and modern manufacturing methods.

J40 owners here and around the world can now see what’s available and order parts at www.j40motorco.com Some of the best sellers on the site include wheel nuts (£16), pair of headlights (£180), upper grille (£110) and lower grille (£115). Wheels, tyres, hubs, pedal gear, wiring, steering, brakes and body components are also available.

More than 30,000 J40 pedal cars, based on the design of the Austin A40 Dorset, were made between 1949-1971 in a not-for-profit operation set up in South Wales to keep disabled former mine workers employed. In period, the child’s cars were sold around the world or used in fairground rides, but since 2012 and the first Settrington Cup they have become synonymous with the children’s race at Revival – and become highly sought-after as a result. Restored examples can change hands for £5,000.

Roy Halford told us: “Since 1983 I have supplied spares parts for the Austin J40 pedal car, but the time is right to ensure a bright future for J40 spares. It has taken a long time to find the right company to take over the business. Burlen are best placed to develop the business for another generation.”

The Settrington Cup regularly gets fields of 30 or so J40s, many in concours condition and often as lovingly race-prepared as full-size historic racecars. Long may it continue!

Photography by Jayson Fong and Stephanie O'Callaghan.