Austin Pedal Cars and Caerphilly County Borough Council are pleased to announce the unveiling of a Blue Plaque at the former site of the Austin pedal car factory in Bargoed, Wales. The plaque will be permanently displayed outside Tir-y-Berth Primary School, near where the iconic Austin J40 and Pathfinder pedal cars were manufactured from 1949 to 1971.
The unveiling ceremony featured Mike Sheehan, the first Trainee Manager, and David Hook, the factory’s last employee. They were joined by Cllr Jamie Pritchard, the Mayor of Bargoed, Howard Llewellyn, and other special guests, including Jamie Burnett from Austin Pedal Cars and Austin J40 expert David Whyley.
A Pathfinder that was driven to the factory’s opening in 1949 by five-year-old Paul Matthews, and the last J40 produced in 1971, marking an important moment in British car manufacturing history.
This recognition honours the rich legacy of the Austin pedal car factory, which offered opportunities for disabled ex-miners. After the factory’s demolition in the early 2000s, Jamie Burnett and David Whyley collaborated with the council to create this enduring tribute, funded by Austin Pedal Cars.
As Councillor Jamie Pritchard stated, “This Blue Plaque honors the factory’s incredible heritage and its significant impact on our community, reminding us of our rich industrial history and its importance for future generations.”
Production at the Bargoed factory ended in 1971, having produced 32,098 Austin J40 and Pathfinder pedal cars, many of which were sold worldwide. One notable recipient was King Charles, who received a special J40 Junior Roadster Special for his fourth birthday in 1952, now held in the Royal Collection.
