Following the Armistice the motor industry was rebuilt providing cars for export. New vehicles were largely unavailable for the home market, and fortunate were those people having pre-war cars. Motorists were determined to continue driving despite petrol rationing and raw material shortages, thus leading them to adopt some unique innovations.

Malcolm Bobbitt is a freelance writer who mainly chooses to write about automotive subjects. With several books to his credit he also contributes to a number of magazines. An avid motoring enthusiast, Malcolm owns two classic British-built Citroens, a Traction Avant and an early DS, as well as a Fiat 500c Topolino. Living in Cumbria on the edge of the Lake District, the author's other interests include walking, travel, industrial and transport archaeology, classical music, fine wines and collecting motoring books.