• First in service with East Sussex Fire Brigade • Sold into private ownership in 1976 • Restored between 2010 and 2022 by Michael Garrett of Kent • Substantial file of paperwork Founded in South London in 1905 and established as commercial vehicle manufacturers at its new Luton factory the following year, Commercial Cars Limited did not acquire the now familiar 'Commer' name until 1926 when Humber took control.

Two years later Humber/Commer joined Hillman in Rootes' rapidly expanding empire, the acquisition marking the group's entry into the commercial vehicle market.

Under Rootes' management the Commer range was rationalised and modernised, with smaller models' chassis, engines and running gear shared with Rootes' passenger cars, and in 1932 the firm became the first in the UK to offer diesel engines as an option.

In 1934 the Huddersfield-based Karrier Motor Company was taken over by Rootes; Karrier production was moved to Luton and the company's activities merged with those of Co...