HWM (Hersham and Walton Motors) did indeed mean motor car greatness after its founders bought a garage together in 1946.

On a tiny budget, these two men built cars while operating the company, which is now the oldest Aston Martin dealership in the world (its franchise began in 1951), and the largest in Britain on its one-acre site. Its Dealer Principal is Andrew Harting (2&3 South, 1980), inheriting responsibilities from his father.

Remarkably, HWM was the first British racing team to achieve international success - before BRM or Cooper or Lotus. The founders hit headlines when in 1949 their HW-Altas won the Manx Trophy in the Isle of Man. The next year they were joined by 20-year-old Stirling Moss, who was given his first paid drive by HWM and who helped the company to build a reputation across Europe when he took on the likes of Ascari and Fangio. In the seven years that they raced, 20-odd HWMs were built, of which 18 survive. One of the founders entered the Mille Miglia road race round Italy in 1956, but sadly lost control in heavy rain near Ravenna and was killed.

HWM is one of just two racing companies that still exist in their original location, the other being Ferrari. One of the cars changed hands recently for over £400,000. They still own a 1951 Formula 2 car which races annually at the Goodwood Revival Meetings. It was exciting for me to visit and be entertained by Andrew when I went over to Walton recently. His superb modern showroom, and the quite wonderful array of Aston Martins, is a feast for the eye (and the ear, when I was allowed to drive one of his V8 Vantages!).

Andrew loves the change he made from being a lawyer in America and London, during which time he used to play rugby for the OCRFC (he went on several tours with them and organised the one to Czechoslovakia). His OC Sport is now of a gentler nature, namely golf with The Choppers. Other pastimes: Travel with his family and Shooting. <B>Mike Payne</B>