The Motor Industry

When Hugh Locke King had Brooklands built it was not just with racing in mind. He intended it as a testing ground for the British motor industry. Much development work was done on engine components by manufacturers such as Austin, Morris and Vauxhall.

Motoring journalists would bring the latest car models to the track for test drives and car manufacturers such as Lagonda and Ford held special public days to promote and demonstrate the available range of private and commercial vehicles.

A Ford Gymkhana held in June 1939 was the biggest event Brooklands ever saw. Crowds of 30,000 were attracted to a spectacular day of demonstrations and entertainment.