#nostalgia #digitisedcinefilm #breakersyard #scrappedcars #1974
Forgotten Gems: Vintage Cars Left to Decay at Chiddingfold
This film was originally a super 8mm Cine Film Digitised with a Kodak Reels Scanner.
This digitised cine film, originally captured in the Summer of 1974, has been thoughtfully split into two distinct parts for your viewing pleasure. The first part transports you to a fascinating farm located in Chiddingfold, Surrey. Here, you’ll witness a remarkable collection of scrapped cars and a variety of other vehicles, offering a unique glimpse into a bygone era. It’s important to remember that, approximately 50 years ago, breakers’ yards were a significantly more common sight than they are in contemporary times. These establishments provided a valuable service, often allowing customers the freedom to wander through the yards and personally search for the specific parts they needed to repair or maintain their own cars. As you observe the vehicles featured in this section of the film, you may notice that some of them are not entirely complete. This is because, over time, previous customers would have successfully located and removed the exact parts they required, leaving behind the remaining components.
In the second part of this video, we have the absolute pleasure of showcasing a truly magnificent Yamaha 50cc FS1-E motorbike. This particular example holds a special place as it was personally owned by the film maker, adding a layer of personal connection to its story. The Yamaha, which was affectionately and widely known by its nickname, the “Fizzy,” was an absolutely iconic 50cc sports moped that quickly became an indispensable part of 1970s British motorcycle culture. It first made its grand debut in Britain back in 1973, and the FS1-E was meticulously and specifically designed with the intention of complying with the existing UK moped laws of the time. These laws importantly limited riders who were just 16 years old to only riding bikes with an engine capacity of 50cc. To successfully meet these very specific regulations, the very early models of the “Fizzy” were thoughtfully equipped with a pedal system that was in place of traditional footrests, a unique feature that many remember. The “Fizzy” is fondly and enthusiastically remembered by many as an incredibly popular and sought-after choice for teenage motorcyclists who were eager to experience the freedom of two wheels. Production of this beloved model eventually came to an end in 1983, although it is worth noting that some examples continued to be produced for a few more years, with some models being manufactured as late as 1988. In the present day, the Yamaha FS1-E remains a highly collectible and desirable classic motorcycle. Indeed, well-restored examples of this much-loved machine often command prices of several thousand pounds, a testament to its enduring appeal and status.
The final moments of this captivating film offer a glimpse into the past, showcasing the very main road where the filmmaker resided. As the camera pans, you’ll notice cars parked along this familiar street.
If you recognise any of the vehicles shown in the film, or used a breakers yard in the past please comment below.
Furthermore, we are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who once owned, or perhaps still owns, a Yamaha FS1-E bike. If this iconic two-wheeled machine was part of your life, please don’t hesitate to comment and share your story with us.
11 Comments
3:00 Yamaha FS1E "Fizz" had one of those when is was 17 Years old. 50cc and 50mph when de-restricted 🤣 None of the cars or bike exist anymore according to DVLA ☹
Just for interest, I was 17 when filming this, the man was my stepdad Ken Great guy he was.
The 1100 suffered a fallen tree on it in a storm. The triumph had rolled, note the blood stained door. The CA Bedford and Thames Anglia was just scrap.
The MK11 Zephyr I gave a pkt of woodbine cigarettes for it to a neighbour, learnt to drive in it on the fields before I could hit the road legally. The Escort was registered on 1/1/68 a very early example.
YAMAHA FS1E was a great bike up to 50mph they go for 3 to 5k plus now unbelievable.
Bonfire behind my house is now a private housing estate.
And the street view from my house, then only a handful of cars. Now when you look there's always between 20 and 30 cars.
How times change. This was filmed end of summer 74
The Blue Zephyr SCX 471 was registered in Huddersfield between April & June 1960
@1.02, Ford Thames 307E
@1.58 Triumph Vitesse
There was also a car dump at the road up to Newlands Corner in Surrey for years also on a farm.
Once someone's pride and joy, now destined for spares or the scrap yard. Great clip of our motoring past!
Rust is what makes so many older cars virtually impossible to repair economically. Mechanical parts are not a problem, as you can always source spares, or even a new engine. Cars years ago had no rust protection and only lasted around 8 years before serious welding was needed. Today, most cars are better designed, with less rust traps, and better protection against corrosion. You still have to be careful with Japanese or Chinese cars, or those made in other hot countries, as they will tend to deteriorate very quickly unless given some after-sale treatment before going on the road. Doing it later will be no good, as the metal will already have started rotting out.
well sinced i missed it yesterday theve all bet me to the cars ans bike,except to say when i left school in 1977 you would have given your hind teeth for an fs1e and the zephyr is very localish to me ps would have been lol,super vid as always
That FS1E worth about £10000 grand now
Where I lived in Essex as a child there was a scrap yard, c1970. We spent hours playing in the cars when the yard was shut, my abiding memory is of lots of big black cars, and musky smelling leather interiors with wood dashboards. Truly happy days!