Another shot of how things were when I was a kid.
The forecourt is unusual as it has 4 brands of fuel. Shell BP Power and National Benzole. Power fuels were distributed by Esso. These days it all one brand on franchised forecourts. The Oil dispenser is for Shell X100 Motor Oil, and it looks like the Autobrite Car Polish sales rep has been round, that's what's featured in the window.
Car I reckon is a Vauxhall 10 from 1938/39. Quite an innovation, OHV engine and one of the first cars with modern monocoque construction. Dad had one in the late 1950's and was on first name terms with the local welder about 20 minutes after getting it home. In those days any old car was in demand and charlatans in the motor trade is nothing new.
I would imagine the picture is from the mid 1950's, and the fella with the Fanny B is smiling because he has personal transport, a lot of the folks then just walked or took the bus. Private cars were all self funded, HP was just another word for debt, which the average working bloke tried to avoid.
The vertical grey item behind the rider is not part of the bike, looks like a concrete GPO phone junction box.
Bill. Frances Barnett and their two strokes were always at the cheap and cheerful end of the market, so a complex shaft drive is unlikely.
GB Thanks for a few moments of nostalgia.
Swarfy.
