Born in 1943, James spent his early years in the West London suburb of Acton, and after leaving school took an apprenticeship with London Transport. When he was old enough to drive, he looked around for a suitable motorcar which was affordable on apprentice’s wages. For £35 he purchased a 1929 Austin 16/6 saloon car, and thus his love affair with all things ‘Austin’ began. Joining the Vintage Austin Register in 1962 he soon became involved in its organisation, and for 17 years edited and produced the Vintage Austin Magazine, undertaking research into many aspects of the products manufactured by the Austin Motor Company. James is now the Register’s Vice President.
The stories that he has collected over his many years of involvement with Austin cars form the basis of his popular ‘Austin Anthology’ series of books.