A short history of the Autovac Manufacturing Co.
Joseph Higginson - The invention of the Autovac…
Well before the First World War, keen motoring enthusiast and Stockport businessman Joseph Higginson designed and manufactured the Autovac as a means of delivering fuel from rear mounted tanks without the need for pressurisation.
Used by some of the pioneering designers from the early days of motoring, Rolls Royce and Lanchester among them, by the 1930s it was increasingly fitted by manufacturers who wanted to move the gravity-feed petrol tank from its traditional position above and behind the engine to a more convenient and safer location at the rear. The Skinner brothers’ SU fuel pump was not quite ready and the Autovac was favoured over the engine driven pump for its simplicity of construction and constant-level supply.
Under the Autovac umbrella, Higginson also went on to patent both the “Petrol Depth Gauge” and “The Galometer”, effectively becoming a pioneer of the modern fuel gauge and mileometer.
Exhibiting at the 1927 Olympia Motor Show, London
Diana Russell, pictured above in her 1922 Leyland Eight
Diana Russell - The revival of Autovac…
The original Autovac company was rescued from oblivion in 1965 by Mrs Diana Russell, who owned and ran Vintage Racing Cars, Derby Road Garage in Northampton.
In her younger days Diana raced a Riley Brooklands and, being a stalwart of the VSCC, was approached by them when they heard that Autovac was being wound up and remaining stock being put into skips.
Diana and her right-hand man, Les Law, made three trips in Diana’s ex-Stirling Moss double car transporter, to Stockport, removing as much as they could, although much was lost. As part of the rescue operation Diana also acquired the trademark, thus ensuring that the Autovac name could live on.
We are still using some of those original parts and, as stocks run out new parts are made to the original blueprints, acquired during Diana’s rescue mission.
Autovac - Recent history and the present day…
Martin Hull and Barbara Ashton brought the business from Diana in 2001, continuing her focus and commitment to the brand, with Martin focused on the fabrication side of the business and Barbara on diagnosing, servicing and rebuilding tanks.
Autovac was then acquired by Steve Wilson. Steve, alongside Charles Gray, continued to provide spares, repairs and servicing options alongside the running of the vintage car restoration firm, Bishopgray.
Robin Cooke acquired the Autovac business in the summer of 2022. Robin has been involved in the restoration and repair of a vast range of vintage Rolls Royce/Bentley models throughout his career, specialising in Phantom II. As a result of which, he has extensive experience in the servicing and repair of original AutoVac units.
With an appreciation for the history, reliability, and longevity of the Autovac brand, we look forward to working with you to ensure your car has many miles of happy motoring ahead.
Rest assured, your Autovac is in safe hands.
Committed to supporting you in the upkeep of your Autovac