Those who know Fritz Schmidt Jr. will know how he’s always on the lookout for memorabilia of automotive history. The author of the ‘Dream Garage’ books was understandably thrilled when he got the tip-off about this forgotten fuel station in a garden. “It was a special find because it probably dates from the 1940s,” says Schmidt. Until the 1970s when the whole forecourt was covered, there was just a small glass building in which the attendant would sit, beside the fuel pumps. 

We’re sure our older readers will remember it fondly – the attendant not only filled your tank for you, but also checked the oil and water levels, and the air pressure in the tyres. The ‘Central Garage’ museum bought this glass house as the centerpiece of a new installation. It sits in front of a fantastic period-correct historic workshop, full of intricate details reminiscent of those at the Goodwood Revival. All that’s missing is a nice chap to fuel your classic for you...